SANA - Syrian Arab News Agency

Damascus, Dec. 19 (SANA) Syria welcomed on Friday the full repeal of the Caesar Act sanctions, describing the move as a significant step toward easing the burdens on the Syrian people and opening the door to recovery and stability.

In a statement, the Foreign Ministry expressed gratitude to the United States and to allied and friendly nations whose diplomatic efforts supported the lifting of the measures. The ministry also praised Syrians at home and abroad for defending their country’s right to a dignified life and for raising awareness of their suffering in international forums.

The statement said the repeal marks the beginning of a new phase of reconstruction and development, calling on Syrians everywhere to contribute to national recovery efforts. It also invited investors from Arab and friendly countries and Syrian businessmen to explore opportunities in rebuilding the nation.

The Ministry renewed Syria’s commitment to responsible national action, openness, and positive cooperation with the international community in a way that reinforces stability and enhances Syria’s standing in the region and the wider world.

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

Quneitra, Dec. 19 (SANA) Israeli occupation forces advanced on Friday into several villages in the southern countryside of Quneitra, southwestern Syria, setting up temporary checkpoints.

SANA reporter in Quneitra said that a force consisting of three vehicles entered from the town of Bir Ajam toward the village of Breiqa, briefly stopping near al-Kabbas water well. A second force, made up of four vehicles, advanced from the entrance of al-Esha village toward al-Rafeed, without establishing checkpoints or conducting searches.

Another unit, consisting of a single vehicle, entered the vicinity of Umm al-Ezam village and set up a checkpoint at the junction of al-Mushairfa and Ruwayhina villages. Separately, a force of three vehicles, including two military Hummers, entered Ruwayhina and moved toward the dam, the reporter said.

On Thursday, Israeli forces entered the village of al-Hiran and al-Deraiya hill west of al-Muaallaqa village, abducting a young man and bulldozing land.

Israel continues to violate the 1974 Disengagement Agreement through repeated incursions into southern Syria, conducting raids, arbitrary arrests, forced displacement, property destruction, and the leveling of agricultural land.

Syria has repeatedly called for Israel’s withdrawal from its territory, stating that all measures taken by Israeli forces in southern Syria are “null and void” under international law.

Riyadh, Dec. 19 (SANA) The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia welcomed  on Friday the United States’ decision to lift sanctions on Syria imposed under the Caesar Act, saying the move would support stability, prosperity, and development in the country.

In a statement, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the step aligns with the aspirations of the Syrian people and  promotes reconstruction and recovery in Syria.
It extended congratulations to Syria’s leadership and citizens on the lifting of all sanctions.

The Ministry praised the government’s efforts to restore stability across the country and create conditions for rebuilding the country and economy and facilitate the return of Syrian refugees to their homes.

On Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump signed the fiscal year 2026 defense budget into law, formally repealing the Caesar Act sanctions that was imposed on the Syrian former regime in 2019 over war crimes and human rights abuses.

Saudi Arabia’s remarks reflect broader regional support for steps aimed at easing sanctions and promoting reconstruction and recovery in Syria.

Bern, Dec. 19 (SANA) United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi has called for sustained support to enable the return of Syrian refugees to their homeland, voicing optimism that the process will continue.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency on the sidelines of the second “Global Refugee Forum Progress Review 2025” held in Geneva, Switzerland, Wednesday,  Grandi said that returning Syrian refugees are shaping Syria’s future, adding that it is “our duty to help them and help Syria.”

Grandi also emphasised that donor support for Syria’s reconstruction is crucial, warning that without it, returnees may not remain in the country.

The High Commissioner stated that more than 1.3 million Syrian refugees have returned since the fall of the former regime on December 8, 2024. While acknowledging the difficulty of predicting future numbers, he expressed his belief that the return of displaced persons and refugees will continue.

The “Global Refugee Forum Progress Review 2025” discussed expanding support for refugees and host countries.

Tartous, Dec 19 (SANA) Around 50 small businesses and local projects in handicrafts, food, accessories, and children’s items took part in the Christmas Bazaar launched Thursday at the Grand Tartous Hotel.

The four-day event aims to support small and medium enterprises, highlight local products, and share the festive spirit with visitors.

Organizers said the bazaar provides an opportunity for residents and guests to purchase handmade gifts and seasonal items, while also promoting creativity and entrepreneurship.

The event features artistic and entertainment activities that reflect the joy of Christmas and New Year celebrations.

The bazaar runs until December 21, offering a platform for artisans and local producers to connect with the community in a festive atmosphere.

Brussels, Dec 19 (SANA) The European Council reiterated support for Syria and its people, calling on all parties to respect its sovereignty and territorial unity.

In a statement following its meeting in Brussels on the Middle East situation, the council expressed support for an inclusive and peaceful transition in Syria without foreign interference.

On Gaza, it welcomed the UN decision to establish a temporary stabilization force, urged safe humanitarian access, and reaffirmed commitment to a two‑state solution, while condemning settler violence and settlement expansion in the West Bank.

The Council also voiced backing for Lebanon’s sovereignty and UNIFIL, and denounced recent attacks on peacekeepers.

In a separate statement, it condemned hybrid attacks against EU states and called for stronger defense readiness by 2030.

Damascus, Dec. 19 (SANA) Syria’s Central Bank (CBS) Governor Abdulkader Husrieh welcomed on Thursday the Australian government’s decision to lift sanctions on the Syrian financial sector.

In a statement on his Facebook page, Husrieh said that Syrian financial institutions can now conduct banking activities with Australia, open representative offices, and establish correspondent relations with Australian banks.

He noted that Syria’s Commercial Bank has also been removed from the sanctions list. Husrieh expressed gratitude to the Australian government, calling the move an “important milestone” that paves the way for Syria’s banking sector to reintegrate into the global financial system.

Australia imposed sanctions in 2012 on the former regime, including bans on trade in oil, petroleum products, financial services, telecommunications, and precious metals.

Other Western countries, most notably the United States, have recently lifted sanctions on Syria as part of efforts to support recovery and reconstruction following the fall of the former regime.

Lattakia, Dec. 19 (SANA) Residents of the Americans neighborhood in Lattakia, in cooperation with the local NGO “Your Country, Your Trust,” decorated and lit up their streets for Christmas and New Year’s Day. The initiative aimed to spread joy and festive spirit among families.

Aya Alaa Al Din, the NGO’s public relations director, said the initiative was carried out “in close cooperation with residents to bring happiness and smiles to everyone.” Local resident Samir Louza added that what began as a small initiative quickly grew with community support.

Similar holiday decorations and Christmas tree lighting are taking place across several neighborhoods in Lattakia, reflecting a widespread festive spirit.

Washington, Dec. 19 (SANA) The Syrian Emergency Task Force (SETF) in Washington welcomed Friday the unconditional repeal of the Caesar Act following its signing by U.S. President Donald Trump.

In a post on X, the SETF stated that the repeal is unconditional and does not carry any risk of re-imposing sanctions. It added, “No further steps are required to complete the repeal; the Caesar sanctions have expired.”

The repeal follows months of diplomatic efforts by the Syrian government, backed by Syrian-American organizations and allied nations, to lift sanctions that had heavily impacted the country’s economy.

The Act imposed in 2019, targeted the former Syrian regime over war crimes and human rights abuses against the Syrian people, restricting foreign investment and financial transactions linked to Syria.

The repeal is expected to open the way for renewed foreign investment and aid, potentially accelerating reconstruction and economic recovery by removing a major barrier to engagement.

Damascus, Dec. 19 (SANA) Syrian officials and experts concluded a two-day National Disability Conference in Damascus on Thursday calling for a comprehensive national strategy for 2026–2030 and greater mainstreaming of disability issues in public policy.

The conference, titled “Empowerment, Inclusion, and Integration” and hosted by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, recommended activating the National Council for Persons with Disabilities. It also called for training professionals in rehabilitation and creating government employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

Participants proposed a national system for professional licensing and continuing education in rehabilitation, a national framework for inclusive education, and programs to promote social and professional integration, including legislative incentives and public awareness campaigns.

Other recommendations included establishing a national disability database, conducting nationwide surveys, amending Decree No. 19 on the rights of persons with disabilities, and restructuring the national disability classification system to meet international standards.

Officials emphasized the importance of disability prevention programs before, during, and after pregnancy, child development initiatives, and barrier-free environments in buildings, transport, and urban planning. They also highlighted the need for a national approach linking mental health, psychosocial support, and inclusion.

The conference, held under the auspices of the General Secretariat of the Presidency, was attended by government officials, academics, and students.

Doha, Dec. 19 (SANA) The head of Syria’s Central Authority for Control and Inspection, Amer al-Ali met Wednesday with French officials in Doha to discuss strengthening cooperation on anti-corruption and asset recovery.

On the sidelines of the 11th session of the UN Convention against Corruption (COSP11) in Doha, the two sides discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation, exchanging expertise, and expanding coordination in asset recovery operations under international legal frameworks.

The talks are part of meetings held by the Authority to strengthen institutional capacity and align its anti-corruption efforts with international best practices.

COSP11 provides a platform for participating countries to share experiences, tackle pressing corruption challenges, and coordinate international efforts to combat this global threat.

Aleppo, Dec. 19 (SANA) A community fundraising campaign launched in Aleppo on Thursday, raised more than $150 million on its first day.

The three- day campaign, titled “Aleppo, the Best of All,” aims to support the rehabilitation of infrastructure and fund reconstruction projects across key service and economic sectors.

The launch drew wide participation from government officials, business leaders, and members of the public.

Aleppo Governor Azzam al-Gharib said the city was entering a new phase of recovery, citing extensive damage to residential buildings and vital facilities caused by the bombardment of the former regime.

“Aleppo is beginning a new chapter focused on recovery and rebuilding,” al-Gharib said, adding that restoring the city would require collective efforts from residents, investors, and partners.

Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani said at the launch that Aleppo would play a central role in Syria’s broader reconstruction process. He expressed hope that the campaign would help revive industrial and economic activity and restore Aleppo’s products to regional and international markets.

Organizers said funds raised would be directed toward development and service projects aimed at revitalizing the city and supporting economic recovery.

Aleppo, once Syria’s largest industrial hub, suffered heavy damage during the war imposed by the former regime, with thousands of buildings destroyed or damaged and key infrastructure severely affected.

The initiative could help ease reconstruction challenges and attract further investment in the coming period.

Washington, Dec. 19 (SANA) U.S. President Donald Trump signed the 2026 Defense Department Budget Act, including a provision that completely repeals the ‘Caesar Act’ imposed on Syria since 2019 and now comes into effect.

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New York, Dec.19 (SANA) Permanent Representative of the Syrian Arab Republic to the United Nations, Ibrahim al-Olabi, said on Thursday that in another achievement for Syrian diplomacy at international forums, the United Nations General Assembly today adopted the resolution entitled “The Situation of Human Rights in the Syrian Arab Republic.”

“This resolution, the first of its kind after the fall of the deposed regime, affirms the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic, and the Syrian leadership and ownership of the political process, and praises the progress achieved since December 2024,” al-Olabi said in a statement to SANA.

He added the resolution welcomes the steps taken by the Syrian government, including holding elections for the People’s Assembly, establishing national bodies for transitional justice and for the missing, and the Syrian government’s efforts in combating drug trafficking inside Syria and abroad, and its commitment to accountability and achieving transitional justice.

Al-Olabi added that the resolution also welcomes the lifting of most sanctions imposed on Syria, with encouragement to lift what remains of them, and calls on the international community to provide support to Syria to build national capacities in various sectors in a manner that respects its sovereignty and be consistent with its national priorities.

Mazen

Riyadh, Dec. 18 (SANA) SANA’s General Director Ziyad al-Mahamid and acting head of the Saudi Press Agency (WAS), Hassan bin Mohammed al-Asmari, signed a memorandum of understanding Thursday to develop collaboration in journalism and media services.

The MoU, concluded during SANA’s official visit to WAS headquarters in Riyadh, aims to facilitate news exchange, technical cooperation, and joint initiatives to strengthen media ties between the two countries.

During the visit, al-Mahamid toured WAS’s news sector and affiliated departments, discussing media topics and strategies with WAS leadership to enhance cooperation.

The SANA delegation also visited WAS’s News Academy, observing modern technologies used in news production, reporting, and media material preparation.

Ankara, Dec. 18 (SANA) Turkey’s Ministry of Defense stated on Thursday that maintaining Syria’s security and stability is central to achieving peace in the region. The ministry also warned that Israeli attacks and expansionist policies pose risks to regional stability.

According to Anadolu Agency, Ministry spokesperson Zeki Akturk said, “The Syrian government, through all its institutions, continues its diligent efforts to restore security and stability in the country.” He added that Turkey remains committed to close cooperation with Syria.

In August, the defense ministries of Syria and Turkey signed a joint military cooperation agreement aimed at enhancing the capabilities of the Syrian Arab Army.

Akturk also called on the international community to take firm action, including sanctions, against Israeli practices in Palestine, particularly those preventing humanitarian aid from reaching Gaza and violating ceasefire agreements.

Regarding a recent incident in which Turkey shot down a drone near its airspace over the Black Sea, Akturk confirmed that Turkey maintains continuous control over its airspace using an integrated layered system of radars, early warning, electronic warfare, and interception units. The ministry emphasized that the drone was neutralized in a safe area away from civilian zones to prevent any negative incidents.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan commented that the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine now threatens the safety of navigation in the Black Sea.

New York, Dec. 18 (SANA) Syria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ibrahim al-Olabi, said during a Security Council session on Thursday that the visit of a UN delegation to Syria symbolizes the positive trajectory of international engagement supporting the country and its citizens.

Al-Olabi expressed “deep appreciation and gratitude to the Security Council for its constructive interaction regarding the idea of visiting Syria and for working closely with Syrians to ensure the mission’s success.” He described the delegation’s presence as “a living embodiment of the diplomatic openness implemented by the new Syria.”

The envoy noted that the delegation witnessed the “blatant Israeli violation of Syrian sovereignty” and the damage caused in central Damascus, including in the Jobar neighborhood, highlighting the enduring impact of prior conflicts.

“Delegates observed the unwavering will and determination of the Syrian people and saw important steps taken across various sectors, with improvements becoming evident daily, extending beyond the economic realm,” al-Olabi added.

He further described Syria’s efforts to address inherited challenges: “The delegation saw how Syria has responsibly managed the stage’s challenges and the tireless work of officials, investigative committees, and national bodies in overcoming these obstacles.”

Al-Olabi said that although the delegation spent only a limited time in Damascus, he was confident they “experienced the city’s cultural depth, where every corner tells a story written by Syrians with their blood, resilience, and dignity.”

On the political front, he emphasized that Syria avoided chaos and initiated a “Syrian-led political process for an organized and responsible transitional phase,” noting that following the liberation of Damascus, the country moved past oppression while maintaining state institutions and pursuing the rule of law and development.

He concluded that statements by Security Council member states during the session reflect unity in supporting Syria’s reconstruction and forward-looking trajectory.

Damascus, Dec 18 (SANA) Syria congratulated the brotherly State of Qatar, its leadership, government, and people, on the occasion of its National Day, wishing it continued progress and prosperity.

“The Syrian Arab Republic extends its warmest congratulations and best wishes to the brotherly State of Qatar, its leadership, government, and people, on the occasion of its National Day, which comes on December 18th,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Thursday.

“Syria, while praising developmental and civilizational achievements, expresses its pride in the Arab ties and shared heritage that connect the two countries,” Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Thursday.

 The statement also expressed Damascus’ interest in strengthening cooperation in ways that “serve mutual interests and contribute to stability and development in the region.”

It concluded with Syria wishing Qatar continued progress and prosperity.

Qatar celebrates its National Day each year on December 18, commemorating the country’s foundation in 1878.

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