SANA - Syrian Arab News Agency

Financial Watchdog Recovers €3.6 Million in Corruption Case

The Central Organization for Financial Control announced the recovery of 46.79 billion Syrian pounds, equivalent to approximately €3.632 million, on behalf of the State Treasury, following the uncovering of serious violations in one of the sugar supply contracts concluded during the defunct regime.

“The recovery comes within the Authority’s ongoing oversight efforts to protect public funds and ensure proper contract execution” according to the Organization’ statement issued today.

“These violations were discovered during the Authority’s regular inspection missions, after which the necessary legal measures were taken to recover the outstanding funds, as part of efforts to combat administrative and financial corruption and safeguard state assets” the Organization said.

“The Authority reaffirmed its continued commitment to pursuing all cases involving public funds and holding accountable anyone proven to be involved in misconduct or negligence, thereby reinforcing the principles of transparency and integrity in public administration” the Organization concluded.

Amer Dhawa

The Ministry of Justice has issued a decision assigning the Second Civil Courts of First Instance in the centers of judicial districts to adjudicate disputes involving the unlawful seizure of real estate or the manipulation of property ownership that occurred the revolution.

According to the decision, the Second Civil Courts of Appeal in the judicial district centers are likewise assigned to review appeals of decisions and judgments issued in the aforementioned cases. In instances where there is only one Court of First Instance or one Court of Appeal in a judicial district, that court shall be deemed the competent authority to consider such cases.

The decision stipulates that all related and pending cases before the Courts of First Instance and Courts of Appeal shall be transferred to the competent courts in accordance with the new mechanism. Furthermore, appeals and enforcement of decisions issued by the Courts of Appeal in these cases shall be subject to the applicable legal procedures.

The Ministry also tasked the Judicial Inspection Department with monitoring the proper implementation of this decision, which shall enter into force as of the date of its issuance.

The Ministry emphasized that enabling rightful owners to recover their properties through fair and binding judicial decisions, issued within reasonable timeframes and through transparent procedures, aims to address the consequences of the conflict on property ownership and to ensure the restoration of rights to their legitimate owners. This, in turn, contributes to enhancing social stability, reducing sources of property-related tension and disputes, and strengthening citizens’ trust in the judiciary system.

The Ministry further called upon all citizens affected by such acts to resort the competent judicial authorities and exercise their legal rights within the framework of the simplified procedures established for this purpose.

Amer Dhawa

Jordan’s Department of Statistics has reported a sharp increase in trade activity with Syria, with commercial exchange rising by approximately 390% during the first eight months of the current year.

According to data published by the Jordan News Agency (Petra), Jordanian exports to Syria reached 152 million Jordanian dinars, compared to 31 million dinars during the same period last year, mainly consist of construction materials, electrical equipment, agricultural and food products and chemical goods.

In the same context, Jordan’s imports from Syria totaled around 68 million dinars, up from 34 million dinars in the same period last year, reflecting a 100% increase.

This improvement in trade indicators comes amid a notable strengthening of Jordanian-Syrian relations on both economic and political levels, with growing calls to enhance cooperation in transportation, energy, and agriculture — contributing positively to regional stability and development.

Minister of Economy and Industry, Nidal al-Shaar, met Thursday with Chargé d’Affaires of the Yemeni Embassy in Syria, Mohammed Ezzi Baakr, to discuss areas for economic cooperation and investment promotion between the two countries.

The meeting focused on opening new investment horizons and encouraging business leaders from both nations to strengthen joint efforts in trade and industry. Preparations and steps for the upcoming “Syrian-Yemeni Investment Forum” were also reviewed.

Minister Al-Shaar emphasized the importance of enhancing frameworks for economic and commercial cooperation, supporting joint economic projects that contribute to resource development, job creation and overcoming obstacles facing investors and traders.

For his part, the Yemeni diplomat affirmed his country’s commitment to ensuring the success of the investment forum and to deepening economic ties between Yemen and Syria.

President of the Syrian Arab Republic, Ahmad Al-Sharaa, met on Thursday at the People’s Palace with Minister of Defense, Major General Murhaf Abu Qasrah, and commanders of military divisions.

The meeting addressed developments on the national arena and reviewed the Defense Ministry’s  work over the past period.

Mazen

The Internal Security Command in Lattakia announced Thursday the arrest of several members of a terrorist cell planning a series of assassinations targeting media activists and prominent figures in the governorate. Their objective was to destabilize the region’s security.

Brigadier General Abdul Aziz al-Ahmad, Commander of Internal Security in Lattakia, stated that security forces, in cooperation with the counter-terrorism unit, launched an operation after carefully tracking the movements of the suspects. The operation led to their arrest before they could carry out their plans.

Initial investigations revealed that businessman Rami Makhlouf was involved in supporting and financing the cell, along with foreign entities seeking to incite chaos within the country.

Al-Ahmad confirmed that investigations are ongoing, with plans to refer those involved to the Counter-Terrorism Department for legal action.

Engineering units of the Syrian Arab Army are continuing their efforts to clear landmines and unexploded ordnance left behind by the previous regime across various neighborhoods and key facilities in Palmyra, eastern Homs countryside.

Omar Abdul Karim Ismail, commander of one of the engineering regiments, told SANA that over 4,000 landmines of various types have been safely dismantled and removed so far.

Ismail emphasized that the operation is progressing rapidly, with the goal of making Palmyra completely safe for the return of residents and the restoration of normal life.

On Thursday, the Turkish Ministry of Defense reaffirmed Ankara’s continued support for Syria’s defense capabilities, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, emphasizing the principle of “one state, one army.”

In a press briefing, Anadolu Agency quoted Ministry Spokesperson Colonel Zeki Aktürk, who stated, “Turkey will continue its efforts to establish stability in Syria,” and added, “Close cooperation with Damascus remains ongoing to enhance Syria’s defense and security capabilities.”

Turkey views Syria’s stability as crucial for regional security and has emphasized the importance of strengthening the Syrian Arab Army’s capabilities and structure.

On Thursday, Syria and Germany discussed ways to enhance agricultural cooperation and finance key development projects in Syria. The meeting was attended by Syria’s Assistant Minister of Agriculture for Animal Resources and Rural Development, Ayham Abdul Qader, along with representatives from the German Development Bank (KfW) and the Syria Reconstruction Trust Fund.

The discussions centered on strengthening bilateral relations in the agricultural sector, reviewing both ongoing projects and upcoming initiatives. The German delegation highlighted their collaboration with the Aga Khan Foundation and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on various projects, including the Agricultural Value Chain Rehabilitation and Improvement Project and the Agricultural Production Sector Development Project, which focuses on areas such as mills and production facilities.

In a statement to SANA, Abdul Qader emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation with international partners, particularly Germany, to support Syria’s agricultural sector in the post-conflict phase. He expressed appreciation for the financial support directed toward revitalizing the sector and improving food security.

Mandana Bahrinipour, representative of the KfW, noted that the meetings were part of broader efforts to strengthen development relations between Syria and Germany. She highlighted KfW’s ongoing commitment to financing sustainable development projects, including initiatives in environmental sustainability, climate change mitigation, and job creation—critical components for Syria’s reconstruction.

Founded in 1948, KfW is one of the world’s leading development finance institutions, playing a pivotal role in financing projects world wide.

Syrian sprinter Hadi Abbas has secured a spot in the semifinals of the 100m race at the 3rd Asian Youth Games in Bahrain.

Abbas qualified after finishing fourth in his heat with a time of 11.9 seconds. He is among the 16 athletes who advanced from the initial 32 competitors and will race in the semifinals, scheduled to take place at 5:30 PM local time Thursday.

In other athletics results from the Games, Syrian athlete Julia Amon placed sixth in the 5,000m race walk with a time of 27:34.27. The gold medal in the event was claimed by China’s Liu Shi with a time of 24:15.27, while India’s Yadav Ranga took silver (24:25.88), and South Korea’s To Jeong Xian earned bronze with a time of 25:26.93.

The third edition of the Asian Youth Games kicked off with a vibrant opening ceremony at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre’s indoor hall, marking the start of a week-long celebration of young athletic talent from across the continent.

A convoy of 400 Syrian refugees returned to Syria on Thursday via al-Arida border crossing in Tartus countryside. This marks the second phase of the voluntary refugee return program.

Thabet Bseis, head of the Immigration and Passport Department at al-Arida crossing, confirmed that the return was coordinated with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Lebanon, as well as local immigration authorities. While some returnees did not have official government-issued documents, Bseis explained that personal identification and UNHCR records were used to facilitate the process.

Ammar Al-Zir, Public Relations Director at al-Arida, stated that the returnees were transported to Syria’s Idleb and Homs provinces. He emphasized that efforts will continue to ensure the smooth return of additional refugees in the next phases of the program.

Adam Shukri, head of the UNHCR office in Syria’s coastal region, noted that the agency provided critical support for the returnees traveling to Idleb and Homs. He added that this is the second convoy of refugees to return, with further assistance planned once the refugees settle in their respective areas.

UNHCR High Commissioner Filippo Grandi has stressed the importance of ensuring a gradual, voluntary, and well-managed return process. He has called for continued international support to help stabilize Syria and reaffirmed the UNHCR’s commitment to assisting the Syrian government in facilitating refugee returns.

Since December 8, 2024, the UNHCR has recorded the return of more than 1 million Syrian refugees, underscoring the ongoing success of the voluntary return.

The Higher Committee for People’s Assembly Elections released the preliminary results of the supplementary elections in Ras al-Ayn district, Hasakah Governorate, and Tal Abyad district, Raqqa Governorate, on Thursday.

This announcement followed the completion of voting by members of the electoral bodies in both districts, which took place at the border crossing hall in Tal Abyad, the cultural center in Ras al-Ayn, and the People’s Assembly headquarters in Damascus.

After voting and ballot counting concluded, Committee Chairman Mohammed Taha Al-Ahmad announced the names of the winning candidates: Abdullah Al-Abdullah for Ras al-Ayn (Hasakah), and Khalil Al-Kanou and Saad Al-Shweish for Tal Abyad (Raqqa).

Committee spokesperson Nawar Najmeh told SANA that the voting was conducted in the presence of local, Arab, and international media. Ballot boxes were placed in Tal Abyad and Ras al-Ayn, as well as two boxes at the People’s Assembly headquarters in Damascus designated for voters from both districts.

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

A French judicial source has revealed that a new international arrest warrant has been issued for former regime president Bashar al-Assad, accusing him of orchestrating deadly chemical attacks near Damascus in 2013. This latest warrant adds to those previously issued by French courts.

According to AFP, the source said that judges in Paris signed the arrest warrant, charging al-Assad with complicity in crimes against humanity and war crimes.

French courts had previously issued two arrest warrants against al-Assad: one on January 20 of this year and another on August 19. These charges relate to the bombing of a civilian area in Daraa in 2017 and the targeting of a journalists’ center in Homs in 2012, which resulted in the deaths of American journalist Marie Colvin and French photographer Rémi Ochlik.

In November 2023, French authorities issued an international arrest warrant for al-Assad on charges of complicity in crimes against humanity due to the use of banned chemical weapons against civilians near Damascus in 2013.

Canada’s new Ambassador to Syria, Gregory Galligan, sees his appointment as the first Canadian ambassador to Damascus in 16 years as an opportunity to renew dialogue and cooperation between the two countries.

In a post on his account on the platform “X,” Galligan wrote: “Deeply honored to be the first Canadian Ambassador since 2008 to present a copy of my credentials in Syria to Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani — a significant step toward renewed dialogue and engagement at a critical time for Syria.”

On Wednesday, Galligan presented a copy of his credentials to the Syrian foreign minister as Canada’s non-resident ambassador to Syria. The two sides discussed bilateral relations, ways to develop cooperation in various domains, and exchanged views on issues of mutual interest.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced the evacuation of 41 critically ill patients from the Gaza Strip for treatment in other countries. This marks the first medical evacuation operation since the ceasefire on October 10.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated in a post on the platform “X” that the organization had led the evacuation of 41 critically ill patients, along with 145 companions, from Gaza. He added that approximately 15,000 patients are still awaiting approval for medical care outside the Strip.

The WHO official also called on countries to show solidarity and open all possible channels to accelerate medical evacuation efforts from Gaza.

The Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip, which began on October 7, 2023, has resulted in the deaths of more than 67,000 Palestinians, injuries to over 170,000 others, and a wide range destruction of health infrastructure in the Strip.

Israeli forces arrested 12 Palestinians during raids in several areas of the West Bank on Thursday.

According to the WAFA Agency, the raids targeted multiple neighborhoods, including Hebron, the Jalazone refugee camp, the town of Kobar in Ramallah, and Issawiya in Jerusalem. Among those arrested were two children.

Additionally, Israeli forces issued orders for the demolition of large industrial facilities at the entrance to the town of Anata, located northeast of Jerusalem.

The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories, Francesca Albanese, affirmed that a ceasefire in Gaza is insufficient to confront the genocide targeting the Palestinian people.

According to Agence France-Presse, Albanese said that the proposed ceasefire plan for Gaza is “entirely inadequate and inconsistent with international law,” underscoring the necessity of “ending the occupation, the exploitation of Palestinian resources, and the ongoing colonization.”

She went on to say that “what is happening in Gaza is not a war but a genocide, as there is a clear intent to annihilate a people.”

UN investigators and several human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have affirmed that Israel is committing acts of genocide in Gaza.

Albanese has been under U.S. sanctions since July due to her public criticism of Israel and is scheduled to present her new report to the United Nations in the coming days.

In the initial version of the report published on the UN website, Albanese described Western support for Israel’s war on Gaza as “the culmination of a long history of Western complicity

The First European Pan-Arab Medical Congress 2025 will take place this Friday at the National University Hospital in Damascus. Organized in collaboration with the Union of Syrian Doctors and Pharmacists in France, the Union of Arab Doctors and Pharmacists in Austria, and the Arab-European Medical Association, the congress promises to be a landmark event for the region.

Over the course of three days, the event will bring together doctors from Europe, the USA, the Gulf states, and other countries, with the majority being Syrian. The conference will cover more than 30 medical specialties, including thoracic surgery, internal medicine, emergency care, urology, orthopedics, reconstructive and cosmetic surgery, as well as dentistry and pharmacy.

Attendees will have the opportunity to attend 300 lectures and view over 20 medical studies. Additionally, about 15 workshops will be held across various governorates, including Damascus, Hama, Aleppo, Lattakia, and Deir Ezzor.

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.