Washington presents conditions to Damascus in exchange for easing sanctions, including banning foreigners from holding positions.

Six informed sources told Reuters that the United States has presented the Syrian government with a list of conditions that must be met in exchange for partial easing of sanctions imposed on the country.

These conditions include ensuring that foreigners do not hold leadership positions in the government, as well as assistance in finding missing American journalist Austin Tice.

Two sources—one a US official and the other a Syrian—reported that Natasha Franceschi, the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Levant and Syria Affairs, delivered the list to Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani during a meeting held on the sidelines of the Syria donors conference in Brussels on March 18.

For her part, US State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce confirmed that Washington is closely monitoring the actions of Syrian leaders as it reassesses its policy toward Syria. During a press briefing, she added that the United States continues to call for the formation of an inclusive, civilian-led government that ensures the effectiveness of national institutions and their responsiveness to the demands of the people.

The new Syrian administration is seeking a different approach to its dealings with the United States, hoping to achieve a breakthrough in the sanctions imposed during Bashar al-Assad's rule. These efforts come amid a stifling economic crisis that has been squeezing Syrians for years.

In a move that reflects Damascus' openness to Washington, Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa sent a congratulatory letter to US President Donald Trump on his inauguration on January 20, signaling the Syrian government's desire to establish a "partnership" with the US administration.

This comes amidst the presence of sensitive issues on the negotiating table between the two sides, including sanctions, the "fight against terrorism," and relations with regional countries.

(Source: Reuters, Al-Araby Al-Jadeed)