U.S. begins removal of Syria designation as state sponsor of terrorism

People gather with independence-era Syrian flags to celebrate the ouster of Syria's president Bashar al-Assad in Damascus on Dec. 13. Photographer: Sameer Al-Doumy/AFP/Getty Images

WASHINGTON - The United States on Wednesday began the removal of Syria’s decades-old designation as a state sponsor of terrorism that has severely impeded investment.

“Lifting sanctions on Syria will unlock international trade and investment, give Syria a chance to rebuild, and open up a new chapter for the Syrian people,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement.

This is a developing story. More details to come...