By David Lawder

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The International Monetary Fund said on Monday it planned an “intensive program of engagement” with Syria to help it rebuild its economy, but a statement issued at the end of an IMF staff visit to Damascus did not mention any discussions of financial assistance for the country.

Nearly a year after Syrian rebels ousted longtime leader Bashar al-Assad, Syria is pursuing a strategic realignment away from Iran and towards the U.S. under its new leader, President Ahmed al-Sharaa, and has embarked on an effort to rebuild infrastructure destroyed by a 14-year civil war.

“Syria’s economy is showing signs of recovery and improving prospects, reflecting the improvement in consumer and investor sentiment under Syria’s new regime, Syria’s gradual re-integration

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