Back in the Arab League after 12 years, Syria urges group to invest in war-torn country
Syria is calling on Arab countries to invest in the war-torn nation, now again a member of the Arab League DAMASCUS, Syria -- Syria on Monday called on Arab countries to invest in the war-torn nation, now again a member of the Arab League. The appeal from Syria's economy and trade minister came during an economic conference in Saudi Arabia ahead of a league summit in the kingdom. The 22-member Arab League agreed earlier this month to reinstate Syria, ending a 12-year suspension and taking another step toward bringing Syrian President Bashar Assad, a long-time regional pariah, back into the fold. However, crippling Western sanctions against Assad’s government remain in place and could prevent oil-rich Arab countries from rushing to invest in Syria — or lead to a quick release of reconstruction funds in the war-battered country . “We invite you to participate in invest ing in Syria, where there are important opportunities and promising horizons,” said the Syrian minister, Mohammed...