Tokyo, Japan - Japan is closely monitoring the United Nations and the broader international community's stance on sanctions against Syria.
Foreign Minister IWAYA Takeshi stated on Friday, May 16, 2025, that Japan is carefully evaluating the situation, with consideration for improving conditions for the Syrian people. This assessment involves closely monitoring discussions within the Security Council Sanctions Committee to determine appropriate actions.
The decision on potentially lifting or maintaining sanctions will be made after observing the international community's reaction. This follows announcements regarding the potential easing or lifting of sanctions on Syria by other nations. The EU, for example, has already suspended sanctions on key sectors like energy and transport.
The Japanese government has been in contact with the new government in Syria and hopes for a peaceful and stable transition of power. Japan is also freezing the assets of organizations and individuals related to the Assad regime.
Japan will make an appropriate decision on these sanctions while keeping a close eye on the discussions in the international community, including the Security Council's Committee on Terrorism Sanctions.