People walking in the capital Damascus, Syria, December 10, 2024. Photo: Xinhua/VNA

The United Nations Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen on Sunday called for the lifting of international sanctions to create conditions for Syria to recover economically and spur reconstruction, national unity, and lasting peace. Syria's economy has been exhausted, with cities destroyed and millions of refugees living in makeshift camps in neighboring countries.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Sunday expressed his willingness to mediate between the US and the Syrian transitional government. Fidan said Turkey will continue to support efforts to establish stability and security in Syria.

The Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, who overthrew the government of President Bashar Al-Assad on December 8, established a transitional government one day later. HTS has been designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) by the US, but some sources say Washington is considering removing this designation.