SANA - Syrian Arab News Agency

Damascus, Dec. 19 (SANA) Minister of Economy and Industry Nidal al-Shaar affirmed that the repeal of the Caesar Act was not merely a legal step, but rather the removal of a heavy barrier that had shackled Syria’s economy and burdened the lives of Syrians for years. He noted that the decision opens long-awaited new horizons, granting Syria an exceptional privilege and restoring its natural place among the nations of the world.

Al-Shaar explained, in a post on his Facebook page Friday, that this stage represents a turning point requiring work, responsibility, and the ability to prove oneself, moving from a mindset of resilience to one of achievement, and from waiting for opportunities to creating them.

He stressed that the coming phase demands a genuine revolution in mentality and behavior, liberation from the legacy of isolation, closure, exploitation, and bullying, and the building of a normal state with a free people, confident in themselves, capable of competing and engaging with the world on equal footing and mutual respect.

The minister emphasized that this transformation requires a broad and organized national effort to rebuild trust with the international community. He highlighted the need to demonstrate that Syria is a reliable partner, a safe environment for investment, and capable of commitment, transparency, and sustainability.

Al-Shaar stressed that this effort cannot be borne by the government alone, but is a responsibility shared by every Syrian at home and abroad. He considered that every word, action, and initiative send a message to the world, and that adopting this new mindset and promoting a responsible image of Syria and its people lays the foundation for a new historic phase of genuine revival, restoring Syria’s standing, and building a strong economy worthy of the sacrifices of its people.

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Doha, Dec. 19 (SANA) A delegation from Syria’s Central Authority for Control and Inspection, headed by Amer al-Ali, held bilateral meetings with Romanian and Swiss delegations to discuss mechanisms of cooperation and coordination in combating corruption and asset recovery.

The meetings took place on the sidelines of the 11th session of the Conference of the States Parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption, held in Doha, Qatar.

The discussions focused on ways to exchange expertise and review legal and technical frameworks, contributing to capacity building and strengthening joint efforts in line with international standards.

The 11th session of the Conference of the States Parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption (COSP11) is being held in Doha from 15 to 19 December, with broad participation from various countries. The conference serves as a key international platform to address corruption challenges, highlight pressing issues, and strengthen international cooperation by unifying efforts for a more effective global response to this threat.

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Jeddah, Dec. 19 (SANA) The Muslim World League welcomed Friday the United States’ decision to repeal the “Caesar Act,” describing it as a pivotal step toward a more promising future for the Syrian people.

In a statement posted on the League’s official website, Secretary-General Muhammad bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa said the historic move by U.S. President Donald Trump reflects Syria’s right to move forward on its new path.

Al-Issa added that he hoped the Syrian government’s efforts would succeed in meeting the aspirations of its people for stability and prosperity, and he praised Saudi Arabia’s support for Syria during this critical juncture.

On Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump signed the Department of Defense budget law for 2026, which includes a provision fully repealing the Caesar Act, imposed on Syria since 2019, making the repeal effective.

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Manama , Dec. 19 (SANA) The Kingdom of Bahrain welcomed the U.S. administration’s decision to lift sanctions imposed on Syria under the “Caesar Act,” praising the efforts of U.S. President Donald Trump in this regard.

“The Kingdom of Bahrain congratulates Syria on the issuance of this important decision, which will support the Syrian government’s efforts to strengthen stability, recovery, reconstruction, and development,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement published by the Bahrain News Agency.

The Ministry reaffirmed Bahrain’s solidarity with Syria in its endeavours to preserve security and stability, safeguard sovereignty and the unity and integrity of Syrian territory, and fulfil the aspirations of the Syrian people for peace, growth, and prosperity.

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Damascus, Dec. 19 (SANA) President Ahmad al-Sharaa extended congratulations to the Syrian people following the complete lifting of sanctions on Syria, expressing gratitude to the U.S. President, members of Congress, and the nations that supported the Syrian people.

He affirmed that the era of rebuilding Syria has begun, with the goal of elevating the country to the highest ranks.

Speaking on Friday from Mount Qasioun via his account on platform (X), President al-Sharaa said: “Great Syrian people, peace be upon you. From the slopes of Mount Qasioun, I extend my congratulations and gratitude for the lifting of sanctions on Syria. Today marks the first day of a Syria free of sanctions, thanks to God Almighty, and to your efforts and patience over fourteen years.”

“Heartfelt thanks to all who sacrificed and endured during the blessed Syrian revolution, to those who inhaled chemical weapons, to those who migrated and left their homeland, to those who drowned in the seas, and to the blood of martyrs that nourished this sacred land. All of this has led us to this great victory, crowned by the complete lifting of restrictions on Syria,” he added.

President al-Sharaa continued: “Special thanks to U.S. President Donald Trump for responding to the call of the Syrian people, and to the members of Congress for recognizing the sacrifices of the Syrian people and answering their call to lift sanctions on Syria.”

“Thanks also go to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. I also extend deep gratitude to all Arab, Islamic, and European nations that supported the Syrian people during the years of war and stood by them in the final year to lift sanctions,” President al-Sharaa added.

He concluded: “Today is your day, great Syrian people. The time of suffering has passed, and the era of rebuilding has begun, God willing. Hand in hand, we will build this nation until we raise it to the highest ranks, by the will of God Almighty.”

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Damascus, Dec. 19 (SANA) The General Directorate of Antiquities and Museums announced on Friday the discovery of an archaeological tomb in the city of Manbij, northeast of Aleppo, dating back to the classical period. The discovery was made during emergency excavation work conducted by an archaeological mission at the site.

According to a statement published on the directorate’s official Facebook page, excavation work for a building on a private property in Manbij uncovered archaeological indicators, prompting the formation of an urgent excavation team from the Aleppo Directorate of Antiquities and Museums to assess the site.

The excavations uncovered a tomb consisting of a main chamber and three adjoining rooms with semi-circular arches—architectural features characteristic of the classical era. No artifacts of significant historical value were discovered inside the tomb.

The Directorate reaffirmed its commitment to preserving Syria’s cultural heritage and urged citizens to report any archaeological discoveries encountered during excavation or construction activities, thereby contributing to the protection of this invaluable heritage for future generations.

The Manbij region in eastern Aleppo is regarded as a natural open-air museum rich in ancient remains. Historically known as the “Sacred City” (Hierapolis), the area is home to several important archaeological sites, most notably Qalaat Najm, Umm al-Sarj site, and the ancient wall of Manbij, as well as Roman tombs, mosaic panels, and a wide range of archaeological finds.

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Damascus, Dec. 19 (SANA) The Syrian Ministry of Culture announced the arrest of the ringleader of an antiquities theft network involved in stealing artifacts from the Classics Hall of the National Museum in Damascus last month. The ministry confirmed that joint investigations with the Interior Ministry and the recovery of surveillance recordings led to uncovering the details of the operation and thwarting it.

The ministry explained, in a statement Friday, that its teams, in cooperation with the Interior Ministry, worked continuously since the incident, collecting evidence and pursuing the perpetrators until the efforts succeeded in record time.

It added that Interior Ministry experts and investigators, supported by Syrian national technological expertise and under direct ministerial supervision, managed to reactivate the surveillance system that the thieves believed was out of service. This allowed the extraction of precise recordings of the operation and the reactivation of cameras to monitor movements inside the museum before, during, and after the theft.

The ministry stated that these efforts led to the arrest of “T.H.,” the ringleader of the network, who confessed to his crime and provided information about his accomplices. It praised the security forces and all those who contributed to the mission, which required the highest levels of secrecy and precision.

It emphasized that Syria’s culture, along with its tangible and intangible heritage and ancient antiquities, constitutes national security. It declared that safeguarding and protecting them is a collective responsibility, and vowed not to tolerate any attempts to target them, as they represent Syria’s civilizational image,both government and people.

The National Museum in Damascus was subjected to a theft on November 10, targeting several ancient statues and rare artifacts. The Ministry of Culture, in cooperation with internal security forces, quickly pursued the perpetrators as part of its efforts to protect Syria’s national heritage, which forms a cornerstone of the country’s civilizational identity.

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Doha , Dec. 19 (SANA)The Syrian delegation from the Central Authority for Control and Inspection, headed by Amer al-Ali, held bilateral meetings with the Saudi and Omani delegations on the sidelines of the 11th session of the Conference of States Parties to the UN Convention against Corruption, convened in Doha. The discussions focused on ways to enhance cooperation in combating corruption and asset recovery.

The talks addressed mechanisms for exchanging expertise and organizing joint meetings and workshops to develop institutional capacities, thereby strengthening integrity and transparency systems in line with international standards.

The 11th session of the Conference of States Parties to the UN Convention against Corruption (COSP11) is being held in Doha from 15 to 19 December, with broad participation from various countries. The conference serves as an important international platform to address the challenges of corruption, highlight its pressing issues, and promote international cooperation and unified efforts for a more effective global response to this threat.

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Paris, Dec. 19 (SANA) Farid al-Madhhan, known as “Caesar,” congratulated the Syrian people on the lifting of the “Caesar Act,” stressing that this step paves the way for reconstruction and opens the doors to investment.

“A major obstacle to investment and reconstruction has been removed, opening the way to build a new state, free and just, politically, socially, and economically, after the Assad dictatorship that destroyed the country and oppressed and killed its people,” al-Madhhan posted on his Facebook page.

Al-Madhhan described the announcement of the repeal of the “Caesar Act” as a long-awaited joy, addressing the Syrian government by saying: “With the end of the Caesar Act… today is your day, our promising government.”

Al-Madhhan was formerly the head of the forensic evidence office in the Military Police in Damascus. He defected from the former regime’s forces and leaked tens of thousands of photos and documents documenting the regime’s crimes against detainees, while concealing his identity for years under the name “Caesar.” These images provoked international outrage, leading the United States to impose the Caesar Act to hold the regime accountable for its crimes.

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Damascus, Dec. 19 (SANA) Damascus is experiencing a festive atmosphere as Christmas and New Year approach. Christian communities prepare to celebrate the religious occasion, while other residents join in the social festivities, marked by decorations, lights, and events, reflecting the spirit of joy and optimism shared by all Syrians.

These celebrations come after long years of oppression and hardship endured by the Syrian people under the former regime, which often restricted public festivities and weighed heavily on citizens.

During a tour by SANA in the Hamidiyah, Bzourieh, and Qaimarieh markets, lively activity was observed as people purchased decorations, gifts, and festive foods. Mrs.

Malaka Mosalli (“Um Marwan”) said she is preparing her home with simple decorations and a Christmas tree adorned with colourful lights, noting that these holidays strengthen family bonds and reinforce social ties.

Wael Wahbi said he was shopping with his family of four, buying clothes for his children, decorations, sweets, and food in preparation for hosting extended family.

Children Elias Farah and Layal Abboud expressed their joy at the holidays, which bring time for play and entertainment, staying up late, watching special programmes and fireworks, as well as receiving gifts and sweets. Even simple presents, they said, hold great sentimental value.

Ahmad al-Khatib explained that he shares in the Christmas spirit with his Christian neighbours, visiting them each year to join in decorating the tree and exchanging symbolic gifts. He stressed that such participation strengthens bonds of love and harmony.

Many residents view Christmas and New Year as a time of respite from daily pressures, striving to bring joy to children through decorations, games, and gifts. These holidays remain a symbol of optimism for a new year filled with hopes of stability and prosperity.

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Ankara ,Dec. 19 (SANA) Turkey welcomed the U.S. decision to repeal the “Caesar Act,” stressing the importance of this step in promoting stability and reconstruction in Syria.

“We hope this step will further encourage international cooperation for Syria’s reconstruction and revival, thereby contributing to greater stability, security, and prosperity in the country.” Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oncu Keceli posted on US social media company X.

This came a day after US President Donald Trump signed the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, formally ending the sanctions imposed under the Caesar Act during the rule of the ousted Bashar al-Assad regime.

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Homs,Dec. 19 (SANA) Al-Wahda secured the top match of the first round of the Premier League with a 2–0 victory over al-Karama, in a game played Friday at al-Sarout Stadium in Homs.

Al-Wahda’s goals were scored by Ali Beshmani in the 49th minute and Osama Omari shortly before the end of the second half.

Jableh defeated host al-Shoala 2–0, with goals from Gaith Mahrez and Mahmoud Al-Bahr, in a match held at Panorama Stadium in Daraa’s sports city. The game drew a remarkable crowd, marking the revival of sporting life in the city after years of absence.

Jableh’s head coach, Mohammad Shadeed, thanked the fans of Daraa for their warm reception, noting that the team had prior knowledge of some Al-Shoala players, which helped in managing the match and securing victory.

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Doha, Dec. 19 (SANA) The State of Qatar welcomed the U.S. decision to lift sanctions imposed on Syria under the “Caesar Act,” describing it as an important step towards supporting stability and prosperity in the country.

In a statement posted on its account on X, Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed hope that lifting the sanctions would open new horizons for cooperation and partnerships with various countries, pave the way for renewed investments, and facilitate the flow of international aid. Such measures, the ministry noted, would help accelerate Syria’s economic recovery and restore its natural position on the global economic map.

The ministry reaffirmed Qatar’s full support for Syria’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, as well as the aspirations of the Syrian people for security, stability, and development.

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Kuwait , Dec. 19 (SANA) The State of Kuwait welcomed the U.S. decision to repeal the “Caesar Act,” stressing that this step will contribute to supporting Syria’s economic recovery and reconstruction efforts.

Kuwait’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed, in a statement on Friday, the country’s supportive stance towards Syria in its efforts to establish security and stability, while safeguarding its unity and sovereignty. The ministry emphasized that repealing the “Caesar Act” will bolster the Syrian government’s reconstruction and development efforts, and enhance its international cooperation and economic partnerships.

The Kuwaiti Foreign Ministry also highlighted the role of U.S. President Donald Trump in lifting sanctions on Syria.

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Tripoli, Dec. 19 (SANA) Syrian Health Minister Musab al-Ali affirmed that health is no longer merely a national matter but a collective responsibility, emphasizing the need to strengthen Arab solidarity and health integration in addressing shared challenges.

Al-Ali expressed, in his speech at the Arab Health Ministers’ Council meeting held in Tripoli, Syria’s gratitude to Libya for hosting and organizing this important Arab gathering, which unites the Arab states around a single goal: prioritising human health.

He noted that the COVID-19 pandemic proved that health security is indivisible, and that the protection of one country cannot be complete without safeguarding others. He stressed that genuine cooperation, knowledge exchange, and unified efforts form the foundation for building strong and sustainable health systems.

Al-Ali highlighted that despite the heavy challenges Syria’s health system has faced in recent years, the country is steadily moving toward recovery and reconstruction, guided by a national vision that places people at the center of health policies and enshrines health equity as both a right and a duty

The minister called for consolidating the principle of Arab health solidarity and developing mechanisms of cooperation in epidemiological surveillance, emergency response, and the provision of medicines and vaccines. He also urged investment in human capacity-building, support for scientific research, and the advancement of joint health projects.

Concluding his remarks, al-Ali expressed hope that the meeting would yield practical, actionable recommendations that translate into tangible cooperation programmes, contributing to improved health conditions and strengthened Arab health security.

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Amman, Dec. 19 (SANA) Jordan welcomed on Friday Washington’s decision on to repeal the Caesar Act, calling it an important step toward supporting Syria’s reconstruction, strengthening recovery, and fulfilling the aspirations of its people for development and prosperity.

Fuad al-Majali, official spokesperson for the Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, said in a statement that Jordan “welcomes the decision, which comes as confirmation of the international will to support Syria in reconstruction and in achieving the aspirations of the brotherly Syrian people.”

He also expressed Jordan’s appreciation for the efforts of U.S. President Donald Trump and his decision to lift the sanctions. He reiterated Amman’s firm position in supporting Syria’s reconstruction based on its unity, sovereignty, security, stability, territorial integrity, and the safety of its citizens, while safeguarding the rights of all Syrians.

On Thursday, Trump signed the Department of Defense budget law for 2026, which includes a provision fully repealing the Caesar Act, imposed on Syria since 2019, making the repeal effective.

The sanctions were imposed on Syria in 2019 to punish the former regime for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed against the Syrian people.

London, Dec. 19 (SANA) “The Economist” selected Syria as the Country of the Year 2025, as part of its annual tradition, highlighting the nation that has achieved the most significant improvement over the year.

In its issue published on 18 December 2025, the magazine explained that the criteria for selection are based on the scale of progress and improvement witnessed by a country, whether in economic, political, or other significant indicators.

The magazine noted that just a year ago, Syria was under Assad’s dictatorial rule, marked by widespread repression and torture, with prisons filled with political detainees. Tens of thousands of Syrians were killed under the dictator, who used chemical weapons and barrel bombs against civilians, while more than six million people were forced to flee abroad.

The Economist affirmed that the situation changed dramatically after the regime’s fall on 8 December 2024. The country witnessed notable improvements in security and social conditions, and fear no longer dominated people’s lives as before. Although life remains difficult, it has become largely normal for most Syrians, with nearly three million returning to their homeland.

After the deposed regime had turned Syria into a mass grave containing the bodies of tens of thousands who perished under torture in its dark prisons, the country began to witness a clear revival following its collapse. Syrian diplomacy succeeded in reintegrating the nation into international forums and ending its isolation. These efforts culminated in the lifting of U.S. and international sanctions, including the repeal of the “Caesar Act,” imposed in 2019 to punish the former regime for its crimes against the Syrian people.

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Tripoli, Dec. 19 (SANA) The 63rd session of the Council of Arab Health Ministers convened on Thursday in the Libyan capital, Tripoli, with the participation of Syrian Health Minister, Musab al-Ali and his accompanying delegation, alongside Arab health ministers and representatives of regional and international health organisations.

The session’s agenda focuses on boosting joint Arab cooperation in public health, emergency response, and the development of health systems across Arab countries, aiming to improve healthcare services and enhance readiness to confront crises.

On the sidelines of the meetings, Minister al-Ali held talks with Mohammed al Ghuj, Acting Minister and Secretary General of the Libyan Ministry of Health, on prospects for health cooperation between Syria and Libya and ways to advance it in the interest of both peoples.

The Council of Arab Health Ministers, a specialized body under the Arab League, was created to foster cooperation among Arab states in tackling shared health challenges. It coordinates health policies, supports public health programmes, combats diseases, enhances emergency preparedness, develops health systems, builds capacities, and promotes the Arab pharmaceutical industry and drug security.

Damascus, Dec. 19 (SANA) Syria’s Central Bank (CBS) Governor Abdulkader Husrieh said that the repeal of the Caesar Act removes a major legal obstacle to Syria’s reintegration into the international financial system, particularly with regard to obtaining a sovereign credit rating.

In a post on his Facebook page, Husrieh explained that repealing the law opens important opportunities for Syria, such as engaging with international credit rating agencies. He noted that lifting legal restrictions would allow Syria to seek an initial “shadow” sovereign credit rating, unpublished and advisory, as a first step, followed by a public rating when conditions permit.

Husrieh clarified that a sovereign credit rating does not mean immediate borrowing, but rather aims to provide an objective assessment of economic and financial conditions, strengthen policy discipline, identify reform priorities, send a clear signal of transparency, rebuild institutions, and pave the way for renewed engagement with international institutions and investors.

He stressed that the Central Bank of Syria will play a pivotal role by supporting monetary transparency, providing reliable economic data, and enhancing financial stability, which he described as essential pillars for any credible sovereign credit assessment.

“The road is long, but the important thing is to begin,” Husrieh said. “Syria is likely to start with a low rating, which is normal for countries emerging from conflict. The real value lies in the benchmark the rating sets and the roadmap for improvement it provides, not in the rating itself.”

U.S. President Donald Trump signed the Department of Defense budget law for fiscal year 2026 on Thursday, which includes a provision fully repealing the “Caesar Act,” making the repeal effective.

Beirut, Dec. 19 (SANA) Lebanese Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri reaffirmed on Friday Lebanon’s strong desire to build closer relations with Syria and enhance cooperation across various fields.

Mitri was quoted by the Lebanese National News Agency as saying that President Joseph Aoun “gave instructions to study the best possible legal formulas for understanding and agreement with the Syrian side regarding the file of prisoners and detainees,” stressing a strong Lebanese desire to establish the best relations with Syria and enhance cooperation across various fields.

Mitri’s remarks came following a meeting with President Aoun, which was attended by the Justice Minister and several judges and aimed to advance discussions on the issue.

The Syrian government has been taking practical steps to address the Syrian detainees’ file, emphasizing cooperation to reach fair solutions.

Previous meetings between Syrian and Lebanese officials, including justice ministers and foreign ministry representatives, highlighted the importance of strengthening bilateral ties. They also emphasized ensuring justice for Syrian detainees in Lebanon.