Syrian leader addresses UN General Assembly for first time in 58 years

Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has called for the lifting of all sanctions to support the country's reconstruction. He made the remarks at a speech Wednesday at the United Nations General Assembly. Syrian and other media said he is the first Syrian leader to address the assembly in 58 years.

Sharaa said Syria has restored international relations, forged regional and global partnerships, and achieved the partial lifting of sanctions. He went on to appeal for the full lifting of sanctions so they no longer "shackle the Syrian people.