SANA - Syrian Arab News Agency

Oil prices rose early on Thursday by around 3 % in Asian trading, following the imposition of new US sanctions on Russia’s two largest oil companies.

According to Agence France-Presse, Brent crude increased by 2.86 % to $64.38 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rose by 2.89 % to $60.19 per barrel.

The United States imposed sanctions on the Russian companies Rosneft and Lukoil, citing their role in financing the war in Ukraine.

Students from the Higher Institute of Music in Damascus concluded a workshop led by American double bass player Richard Hartshorn with a chamber music performance at the Drama Theatre of the Damascus Opera House.

The concert, which featured works from major Romantic composers in Czech and Russian traditions, opened with Alexander Borodin’s string quartet, followed by Anton Arensky’s trio written in memory of cellist Karl Davidoff. The performance ended with a piece by Czech composer Antonín Dvořák, inspired by the chrysanthemum flower in Bohemian culture, symbolizing purity and life.

The students showcased impressive skill and unity as they performed in various ensembles, including trios, quartets, and quintets.

Qatar and Turkey emphasized their commitment to continuing cooperation in support of the Syrian people’s aspirations for stability, development, and the rule of law.

In a joint statement issued after the 11th session of the Higher Strategic Committee between Qatar and Turkey, they welcomed the “positive steps taken by the Syrian government,” including the adoption of the constitutional declaration, the preservation of civilian safety, the stability of government institutions, the guarantee of continued public services, and the securing of the Syrian people’s basic needs.

The statement praised the government’s efforts to restructure the Syrian state and enhance unity among all parties. It also rejected any “efforts to fragment or divide Syria, including foreign interventions and Israeli attacks on its territory.”

The two countries expressed confidence in the Syrian people’s ability to overcome the challenges of this stage, rejecting sectarianism, violence, and other elements of discord.

Additionally, the statement underscored the importance of implementing the March 10th agreement to integrate the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into Syrian state institutions. It called on the international community to maintain the humanitarian aid budget for Syria, in light of the return of Syrian refugees to the country.

Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz stated on Thursday that the Israeli Knesset’s approval of a preliminary plan to annex the West Bank is a subversive act that could undermine the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip and pose a blatant threat to regional stability.

Yilmaz was quoted by Anadolu Agency in a post on the Turkish social media platform ‘NSosyal,’ saying: “The West Bank is occupied Palestinian territory, and the Israeli Knesset’s decision regarding it is illegal and invalid.”

He emphasized that Turkey will continue to support the Palestinian people until the occupation ends and a State of Palestine is established based on the two-state solution.

Omer Celik, spokesman for Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party, asserted that the Knesset’s approval of the annexation bill represents a new step in its policy of aggression and is a completely illegal act.

Yesterday, the Knesset approved two bills in preliminary readings: one to annex the occupied West Bank and the other to annex the Ma’ale Adumim settlement, built on Palestinian land east of occupied Jerusalem.

Chairman of the Higher Committee for People’s Assembly Elections, Mohamed Taha al-Ahmad, stated that the supplementary elections taking place on Thursday will select 3 members of the People’s Council for the Ras Al-Ain district in Hasakah governorate and Tal Abyad in Raqqa governorate.

Al-Ahmad told SANA that the previous major election process, which took place on October 5, was conducted in 49 centers. “Once today’s elections are completed in both Ras Al-Ain and Tal Abyad, the total will rise to 51 centers.”

He also pointed out that elections have been postponed in 9 other centers in Hasakah, Raqqa, Sweida, and the Aleppo countryside (Ain Al-Arab district).

Al-Ahmad noted that preliminary results for the two districts (Ras Al-Ain and Tal Abyad) will be announced on Thursday, while the final results will be released after reviewing any appeals. These results are expected to be announced next Sunday or Monday.

Members of the electoral bodies began casting their votes to elect representatives to the People’s Assembly from the Ras al-Ain and Tel Abyad electoral districts, located in Raqqa and Hasakah governorates.

The election centers opened at 9 a.m. at the border crossing hall in Tal Abyad, the cultural center in Ras al-Ain, and the People’s Assembly headquarters in Damascus.

The electoral bodies in Tal Abyad consist of 100 members, who will elect two representatives to the council. Ras al-Ain’s electoral body consists of 50 members, who will elect one representative to the council.

The Syrian parliamentary elections were held on October 5 across most electoral districts in the country.

Nawar Najmeh, spokesperson for the Higher Committee for People’s Assembly Elections, confirmed that the remaining seats in Raqqa and Hasakah governorates, along with those in Sweida governorate, will remain vacant until the appropriate security and political conditions are met for by-elections.

Fadel Abdulghany, director of the Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR), stated that the discovery of mass graves and human remains in various locations, including Damascus countryside, al-Kadam, and Homs, represents an “additional crime” committed by the former regime.

In a statement to SANA, he emphasized that these graves are “tangible evidence of a systematic and organized policy pursued by the previous regime,” noting that killings under torture, enforced disappearances, and mass burials constitute “crimes against humanity and war crimes” under Articles 7 and 8 of the Rome Statute.

He stressed that the widespread massacres documented in various Syrian provinces serve as tangible evidence of the responsibility of the “criminal Bashar al-Assad.”

Abdulghany argued that the continued uncertainty about the fate of those arrested by the former regime is part of a systematic policy that perpetuates the suffering of the families of the disappeared.

Since the liberation in December 2024, many mass graves have been uncovered, the most recent being the discovery of a burial site in al-Otaiba, in the Damascus countryside, and another in the northeastern Homs countryside.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has urged the world to exert efforts to strengthen the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, ensure the regular entry of humanitarian aid, and initiate the reconstruction process in the region.

Egypt’s presidential spokesperson, Mohamed El-Shenawy, stated in a statement published Wednesday on the presidency’s website that President Sisi expressed, during his meeting in Brussels with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, Egypt’s desire to enhance cooperation with the EU to implement the Gaza ceasefire agreement and U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan.

The spokesperson also noted that during the meeting, Sisi outlined the upcoming conference Egypt will host next month focused on reconstruction and recovery in Gaza.

For her part, Kallas affirmed that the European Union looks forward to actively participating in implementing the ceasefire agreement in Gaza and expressed its readiness to support reconstruction efforts in the Strip.

The ceasefire agreement in Gaza went into effect on the 10th of this month, aimed at ending the two-year Israeli war on the Strip.

Jordan has condemned the Israeli Knesset’s approval of a preliminary bill to annex the West Bank, asserting that this action represents a blatant violation of international law and the Palestinian people’s right to establish an independent state based on the June 4, 1967 lines.

In a statement, Jordanian Foreign Ministry spokesman Fuad Majali emphasized the Kingdom’s “absolute rejection and strong condemnation of any Israeli attempts to impose sovereignty over the occupied West Bank.” He described this move as a “flagrant violation of international law and United Nations Security Council resolutions, particularly Resolution 2334.”

Majali referred to the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice, which confirmed the illegality of Israel’s occupation of Palestinian land, as well as the nullity of settlement construction and annexation measures in the occupied West Bank.

He also warned against the continuation of Israel’s illegal unilateral policies that violate international law and relevant UN resolutions. Majali reaffirmed that all Israeli actions in the West Bank, as well as violations of Islamic and Christian sanctities in occupied Jerusalem, are illegal and unlawful.

The spokesperson called on the international community to uphold its legal and moral responsibilities, urging it to compel Israel to halt its dangerous escalation and unlawful actions in the West Bank and to respect the Palestinian people’s legitimate rights.

Israeli forces shelled the outskirts of the town of Koya in the Yarmouk Basin area of southern Daraa countryside on Wednesday night.

A SANA reporter in Daraa stated that the Israeli attacks coincided with the sound of explosions heard throughout the city.

 In the same context ,Israeli forces carried out an incursion into Saida al-Hanout village in southern Quneitra Countryside.

According to SANA reporter in Quneitra, a force consisting of 5 military vehicles penetrated center of the village and left shortly afterward.

Israeli forces continue their aggressions against Syrian territory, in violation of the 1974 disengagement agreement, international law, and United Nations resolutions. Syria condemns these aggressions and calls on the international community to take a firm stand to stop them.

Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi met on Wednesday in Amman with Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel to discuss the latest developments in Syria and the region.

Jordan’s state news agency (Petra) reported that Safadi reaffirmed the Kingdom’s support for Syria’s reconstruction efforts, based on principles that preserve its unity, stability, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and ensure benefits for the Syrian people.

The two ministers also reviewed regional developments, emphasizing the need to uphold the Gaza ceasefire, fully implement its provisions, end the conflict, and ensure the timely and adequate delivery of humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering in the Strip.

Safadi also stressed the importance of halting the dangerous escalation in the West Bank, as well as ending Israeli violations against Islamic and Christian holy sites in occupied Jerusalem.

The Jordanian official praised the Netherlands’ firm support for the two-state solution and the Palestinian people’s right to establish an independent state in accordance with international law.

The ministers underscored the importance of enhancing bilateral cooperation in education, tourism, trade, industry, and water within the Jordan–EU partnership and agreed on a joint plan to expand collaboration across key sectors.

Republican Congressman Joe Wilson affirmed that the Syrian people are a true source of inspiration to the world for their resilience and determination to rebuild their country after years of devastating war.

He noted that the time has come to empower Syria to reclaim its role and standing in the region and the world.

“The Syrian people at home and the Syrian community in the United States have shown great enthusiasm for the positive changes taking place in their country.” Wilson stated in an interview with the Syrian Al-Ikhbariya TV channel.

He pointed out that President Donald Trump had clearly called for giving Syria a new opportunity and demonstrated his commitment by lifting certain sanctions and easing airport restrictions as part of a policy aimed at supporting regional stability.

Wilson said that his visit to Syria was of particular significance, as he was accompanied by Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen, underscoring bipartisan support for the Syrian people. He noted that he met with President Ahmad Al-Sharaa and listened to his vision for the country’s future, which left him with a positive impression of the Syrians’ determination to rebuild and reconstruct.

Wilson pointed out that Syria has significant potential for economic recovery and reconstruction. He added that neighboring countries such as Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan have expressed interest in contributing to Syria’s reconstruction and renewed prosperity.

The American congressman stressed that the United States rejects any attempts to divide Syria and believes in its unity and full sovereignty, stressing that ending the unlawful foreign presence on Syrian soil is a key step toward achieving stability.

Wilson called for boosting investment and tourism in Syria, citing its unique cultural and human heritage. He stressed that easing sanctions would help stimulate the economy, improve humanitarian conditions, and facilitate the return of refugees to their homes.

The Republican congressman stated, “Syria is capable of becoming a model for overcoming dictatorship and building a future marked by security, dignity, and hope.”

Aseer Madaien, Deputy Head of the UNHCR Mission in Syria, affirmed that the UN refugee agency is working to overcome significant logistical and field challenges hindering the launch of any program aimed at encouraging the return of Syrian refugees.

Speaking on Al Jazeera, Madaien pointed out that while Syria receives considerable international and regional support, it remains insufficient to meet the vast needs of the local population due to the scale of infrastructure destruction. She called for increased international assistance to facilitate the return of Syrian refugees.

The UN official explained that the agency is implementing support programs in Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey to ease voluntary return, including transportation and financial grants for returnees. She emphasized that the United Nations requires broader international partnerships and a clear vision from the global community regarding Syria’s future.

MHD Ibrahim

Major General Murhaf Abu Qasra ,Syria’s Minister of Defense, met the delegation of officer cadets dispatched to the Republic of Turkey and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The meeting comes as part of the Ministry of Defense’s efforts to cultivate talent and prepare personnel equipped with knowledge of the latest weapon systems and modern warfare strategies.

According to the Ministry of Defense’s Telegram channel, Minister Abu Qasra affirmed, during the meeting, the vital role entrusted to the cadets in representing their country in a manner befitting the Syrian military institution. He also offered a set of recommendations and guidelines aimed at motivating them to elevate their academic and professional performance to the highest standards.

MHD Ibrahim

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan affirmed that Turkey will continue its firm support for Syria’s recovery and development process.

According to Anadolu Agency, Erdogan stated during his meeting with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Doha, Wednesday, that cooperation between Turkey and Qatar will persist across all areas related to Syrian affairs, including energy, transportation, and humanitarian aid.

Regarding the situation in Gaza, Erdogan explained that the two-state solution remains the only path to a just resolution of the Palestinian issue, adding: “Efforts aimed at achieving this goal will continue in the coming phase.”

MHD Ibrahim

New York-SANA

Syria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ibrahim Al-Olabi, said on Wednesday that Syria is present and active — it listens, engages in dialogue, and makes decisions,
For the first time in decades, there is an opportunity for political participation through the recent elections.

“Syria continues its international and regional cooperation in combating drugs, terrorism which reflects its commitment not to be a source of threat to any country in the world,” Al-Olabi added in a speech at the United Nations Security Council session on the situation in Syria.  

Al-Olabi stressed that more than one million refugees have returned to Syria — this is a message of confidence in the government’s policies, achievements and efforts. It is a message we are proud of and will not relinquish.

“For the return of Syrian refugees to be permanent, the international community must support Syria and its people through genuine partnership and put an end to Israeli attacks,” Al-Olabi added.

“We are working to heal the wounds of Sweida and have reaffirmed our commitment to accountability. We granted the international investigation committee unrestricted access, in addition to restoring villages and compensating damages,” Al-Olabi said.

He added that Syrians have raised over 14 million dollars in a popular campaign called ‘Sweida Is Part of Us.’ Today, we place our trust in our people in Sweida not to be drawn into reckless ventures with no clear horizon.

Deputy Special Envoy of the United Nations for Syria, Najat Rochdi said that the People’s Assembly elections in Syria were conducted in a right and organized environment, sanctions must be lifted more broadly and swiftly to give the transitional phase a real chance to succeed.

Meanwhile, U.S. representative Mike Waltz said “We call on Security Council to support efforts to ease sanctions on Syria to ensure the well-being of the Syrian people and give Syria a chance to achieve its aspired-for development,”

He added “We appreciate the Syrian government for its cooperation with the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, and we welcome the efforts of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan and Turkey to support the political process in Syria.”

French Representative to Security Council, Jérôme Bonnafont, for his part, said the diversity of the Syrian people is Syria’s greatest asset, and the transitional process in Syria offers hope. The United Nations must support this process.

He added the Syrian government seeks to build a reconciled state, and we bear the responsibility to help make that a success, to fulfill our commitment and to confront the challenges

In a similar context, the British representative said that the United Kingdom supports the Syrian government during the transitional phase, and we must collectively consider additional steps the international community should take to support Syria toward a more stable and peaceful future.

As for the Chinese representative, he affirmed that restoring calm and peace in Syria must be a goal for the international community, and we hope to accelerate humanitarian aid for all Syrians to support the economic recovery process.

Russian Representative Vasily Nebenzya added “We call on Israel to cease its attacks on Syrian territory, and we affirm that Syria’s internal affairs must be resolved by the Syrians themselves without external interference.”

He said “We stress the need to lift sanctions on Syria, as they hinder the reconstruction process and efforts toward recovery and sustainable development.”

The Turkish representative said “we have to support efforts aimed at preserving the unity and territorial integrity of Syria, and we call for Israel’s withdrawal from Syrian territory.”

Mazen Eyon

Minister of Information Hamza al-Mustafa visited, Wednesday, the Qatar Media Corporation as part of a series of visits to the State of Qatar, during which practical steps to advance Syria’s media sector were discussed.

During meetings with officials at the Qatar Media Corporation, Minister Al-Mustafa explored avenues for boosting cooperation and exchanging expertise in technical development and professional training for media personnel. Discussions also covered the potential to benefit from Qatar’s pioneering experience in building a modern media system rooted in professionalism, credibility, and openness.

Minister al-Mustafa also held talks with officials at Qatar’s Government Communications Office, addressing several issues of mutual concern, including mechanisms to safeguard Syrian platforms and users from indiscriminate campaigns aimed at distortion or misinformation through digital media.

The meeting included a review of future strategies that could contribute to rebuilding a professional Syrian media landscape inspired by successful regional models and aligned with modern technological advancements.

Minister Al-Mustafa’s visit to Doha is part of a broader diplomatic and media initiative aimed at exploring leading media experiences in the region and leveraging them to launch a national project for modernizing Syrian media in a way that reflects the aspirations of the Syrian people and meets the demands of the current phase.

MHD Ibrahim

Foreign Minister, Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani, received on Wednesday the Canadian Ambassador to Lebanon and Syria Gregory Galligan.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed bilateral relations between the two countries and ways to develop them in addition to several issues of common interest.

Later, the Minister received a copy of the Ambassador’s credentials.

Nisreen/ Mazen

Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani met with the U.S. Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack, to discuss a number of issues of mutual interest including Syria.

According to the Qatari News Agency, the two officials reviewed the latest developments in Syria and explored ways for Qatar and the United States to cooperate in supporting stability in the region.

Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management Raed al-Saleh discussed with Hiroshi Takabayashi, Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) office in Syria, enhancing cooperation in sustainable urban planning and the development of urban databases to reduce disaster risks.

During the meeting, al-Saleh emphasized the importance of building a comprehensive early warning system and applying security and safety standards to urban projects. He stressed the need to develop a national risk matrix based on accurate geographical studies to help protect lives and property, while enhancing cities’ resilience.

Takabayashi assured UN-Habitat’s commitment to supporting the Syrian government’s efforts in developing sustainable urban planning and enhancing the national institute’s ability to manage urban risks. He added that the Programme will support the establishment of accurate databases to reduce the effects of disasters and provide a safe environment for the population.

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme is a strategic partner in supporting national recovery plans by providing technical expertise and strengthening local capacities in urban risk management.