U.S. Congress Members Make Unofficial Visit to Syria Amid Sanctions Talks
Republican Congress members Cory Mills and Marlin Stutzman visited Damascus on April 18, 2025, marking the first by U.S. lawmakers since the fall of Bashar Assad. The visit coincides with discussions on possible sanctions relief by the Biden administration. Mills emphasized the importance of understanding the Syrian people’s needs amidst ongoing political complexities, including relations with Palestinian leadership.
On April 18, 2025, Republican Congress members Cory Mills (R-FL) and Marlin Stutzman (R-IN) visited Damascus for an unofficial tour organized by a Syrian-American nonprofit. This marked the first visit by U.S. lawmakers since the fall of former President Bashar Assad in December 2024. During their visit, they toured the historic synagogue in Jobar and the Christian neighborhood of Bab Touma, meeting with local religious leaders to discuss the situation in Syria.
The visit came as U.S. President Biden’s administration weighs the possibility of easing sanctions imposed during Assad’s regime. Mills, who is part of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, emphasized the importance of understanding the needs of the Syrian people and mentioned that discussions would focus on the implications of sanctions and establishing a democratically elected government.
The Syrian American Alliance for Peace and Prosperity organized this congressional visit, aiming to foster a partnership between Syria and the U.S. Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department reiterated its travel advisory, warning citizens against visiting Syria due to credible threats of imminent attacks.
On the same day, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa to strengthen bilateral ties and address regional issues, including the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Their discussions included forming joint committees for cooperation and the historical context of Palestinian refugees in Syria, amidst ongoing Israeli-Syrian tensions over military actions and diplomatic relations.
The unofficial visit by U.S. Congress members reflects a significant moment in U.S.-Syria relations, timed with discussions around potential sanctions relief. The meeting with key Syrian figures, alongside Abbas’s visit, underscores the ongoing complexities involving the Palestinian issue and regional politics. As dialogue continues, the involvement of U.S. lawmakers may be pivotal in shaping future policies toward Syria.
Original Source: apnews.com
