People hold placards with Arabic that reads "Thank you Iran," right, and "Thank you Syria," as they celebrate the arrival of Iranian fuel tankers to Lebanon, in the eastern town of Baalbek, Lebanon, Sept 16, 2021. (PHOTO / AP)

DAMASCUS - Russian Ambassador to Syria Alexander Efimov said on Monday that the US sanctions on Syria are posing a major obstacle in the war-torn country's reconstruction.

In remarks to the local online al-Watan newspaper, Efimov hailed the recent restoration of relations between Syria and other Arab countries, mainly Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states, but said the economic cooperation is stranded by the persistent US sanctions.

ALSO READ: Saudi-Syria thaw positive for region

"These sanctions still constitute a major obstacle to the full participation of the countries of the region in the reconstruction of Syria," he said, calling on the West to lift all "illegal measures of financial pressure and extortion."

ALSO READ: 'Arab nations tired of US zero-sum games on Syria'

The ambassador said he hoped other countries in the Middle East help stop the "inhuman policy" as soon as possible.