Syria slams renewal of US sanctions

Syria says the US has lost its “credibility” for renewing sanctions against Damascus and not fulfilling its promises towards the country.

Washington on Monday extended ongoing sanctions against Damascus on claims that it supports terrorists and pursues weapons of mass destruction.

Deputy Foreign Minister Fayssal Mekdad on Wednesday criticized the move.

“What is being heard publicly from the Americans is exaggerated and what is happening behind closed doors is the exact opposite,” Mekdad was quoted as saying by the Al-Watan daily.

The economic and diplomatic sanctions against Syria were imposed by former US President George W. Bush in May 2004.