Arab News Japan

TOKYO: The Japanese government on November 12 removed Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa and Minister of Interior Anas Hasan Khattab from the asset-freezing and terrorist-affiliated individuals’ lists, a move that goes in the direction of reducing the severe sanctions Tokyo has been applying to Syria.

The Foreign Ministry in Tokyo has clarified that the decision to remove Al-Sharaa and Khattab goes in line with the United Nations Security Council Resolutions 2799, 1267, 1989, and 2253.

Japan’s application of asset-freezing and other measures has affected a total of 540 individuals and entities, in accordance with the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act.

The Ministry’s statement designated Al-Sharaa as No. 637 and Khattab as No. 668 in its lists.

After this decision, the total number of individuals and entities designated for asset freezes and other measures against the so-called “terrorists” has now reached 538, according to the Ministry. However, the Ministry did not provide any additional information regarding the status of these individuals and entities.

Japan has imposed powerful sanctions on Syria, although some have recently been lifted. The entire country is currently under a Level 4 travel warning, which strongly urges all Japanese citizens in Syria to “flee Syria immediately,” regardless of their reason for being there. Additionally, the Foreign Ministry strongly advises all Japanese individuals to avoid traveling to Syria for any purpose.