Statement on US sanctions in Syria

White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt spoke at the daily press briefing.

Leavitt, who noted that Trump will sign an executive order this afternoon to end the US sanctions program on Syria, said: "This is an effort to support and encourage the country's path to stability and peace."

"The executive order lifts sanctions on Syria, while maintaining sanctions on former President (Bashar) Assad and his supporters, human rights abusers, drug traffickers, individuals associated with chemical weapons activities, ISIS and affiliated organizations, and Iranian proxies," Leavitt said.

Leavitt said that Trump met with Syria's new leader during his Middle East trip and promised to lift sanctions, adding that the President is determined to support a Syria that is stable, united, and at peace with itself and its neighbors.