The United States has renewed its warning to individuals and businesses against taking part in an annual trade fair in Damascus opening Wednesday, saying participants would expose themselves to the possibility of US sanctions.
In a statement posted on social media on Tuesday, the US Embassy in Syria said it had received reports that some regional businessmen or chambers of commerce plan to participate in the Damascus fair.
“We reiterate our warning that anyone doing business with the Assad regime or its associates is exposing themselves to the possibility of U.S. sanctions,” the statement said.
The US statement said it is “unacceptable and inappropriate” for businesses and individuals to participate, “particularly at a time when the Assad regime and its allies Russia and the IRGC are attacking innocent civilians.”
On its Facebook page, the embassy urged members of the public who have information on any businesses or individuals who plan to participate in the trade fair to email the US Department of Treasury with the information.
On Friday, the US Embassy issued a similar warning as it strongly discouraged businesses and individuals from participating in the event. It cited the Assad regime’s continued use of “its financial resources to carry out vicious attacks against the Syrian people.” (Source: Syrian National Coalition’s Media Department)
