Syria welcomes its removal from US list of state terror sponsors

Syria on Monday welcomed the U.S. decision to remove the country from Washington's list of state sponsors of terrorism, calling the move an important step toward ending decades of isolation.

In a statement, Syria's foreign affairs authority said the decision "opens a new chapter in Syria's international relations," adding that it would support the country's economic recovery, help create conditions for reconstruction, and strengthen stability and security in Syria.

On Monday, U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Syria and Iraq Thomas Barrack said Washington had formally revoked the designation of Syria as a state sponsor of terrorism.

Washington designated Syria as a state sponsor of terrorism in 1979 and has maintained the designation for decades, citing then Syrian government's ties with Lebanon's Hezbollah, Palestinian factions, and Iran.