House Foreign Affairs Committee Members Join the American Coalition for Syria in Rejecting General License 23
The American Coalition for Syria (ACS), a coalition of specialized, multi-faith organizations, calls on the Biden administration to reject any efforts to extend Syria General License 23 (GL 23). While initially intended for earthquake relief efforts, GL 23 effectively allows unrestricted transactions with the Assad regime and its allies, infamous for diverting funds to support its war machine, while blocking the delivery of humanitarian aid to the most vulnerable regions in Syria.
In a letter sent to President Biden, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX) and Subcommittee on the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia Chairman Joe Wilson (R-SC) warned against the adverse consequences of extending Syria General License 23, which authorized direct transactions with the Assad regime for 180 days after the February earthquake.
They were joined by Representatives James Baird (R-Ind.), French Hill (R-Ark.), Brian Mast (R-Fla.), Thomas Kean, Jr (R-NJ), Cory Mills (R-Fla.), Keith Self (R-TX), and Aumua Amata Radewagen (R-AS). Recent events, such as the July 11 veto by the Assad regime and its Russian ally on cross-border humanitarian aid deliveries to over 4 million people in northwest Syria, further highlight the regime's unwillingness to engage constructively on humanitarian aid issues. General License 23's misuse has also raised concerns, as reports of weapon smuggling disguised as humanitarian aid have emerged, further jeopardizing the welfare of the Syrian people.
"We believe that extending Syria General License 23 would nullify the will of Congress and the Caesar sanctions," stated Dr. Mahmoud Barazi, president of the American Coalition for Syria. "Our trusted allies in Congress must oppose this extension and seek a more effective and transparent alternative mechanism."
ACS proposes the establishment of a humanitarian channel that would enable vetted and approved companies to deliver aid effectively to regions outside the Assad regime's control, including Northwest and Northeast Syria. The Coalition urges members of Congress to support a House resolution that will be introduced later this week that will call for the end of General License 23 and to prioritize the establishment of a humanitarian channel as a transparent and accountable alternative.
In a letter sent to President Biden, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX) and Subcommittee on the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia Chairman Joe Wilson (R-SC) warned against the adverse consequences of extending Syria General License 23, which authorized direct transactions with the Assad regime for 180 days after the February earthquake.
They were joined by Representatives James Baird (R-Ind.), French Hill (R-Ark.), Brian Mast (R-Fla.), Thomas Kean, Jr (R-NJ), Cory Mills (R-Fla.), Keith Self (R-TX), and Aumua Amata Radewagen (R-AS). Recent events, such as the July 11 veto by the Assad regime and its Russian ally on cross-border humanitarian aid deliveries to over 4 million people in northwest Syria, further highlight the regime's unwillingness to engage constructively on humanitarian aid issues. General License 23's misuse has also raised concerns, as reports of weapon smuggling disguised as humanitarian aid have emerged, further jeopardizing the welfare of the Syrian people.
"We believe that extending Syria General License 23 would nullify the will of Congress and the Caesar sanctions," stated Dr. Mahmoud Barazi, president of the American Coalition for Syria. "Our trusted allies in Congress must oppose this extension and seek a more effective and transparent alternative mechanism."
ACS proposes the establishment of a humanitarian channel that would enable vetted and approved companies to deliver aid effectively to regions outside the Assad regime's control, including Northwest and Northeast Syria. The Coalition urges members of Congress to support a House resolution that will be introduced later this week that will call for the end of General License 23 and to prioritize the establishment of a humanitarian channel as a transparent and accountable alternative.
