SANA - Syrian Arab News Agency

Damascus, Dec.02, (SANA) Talal al-Hilali, Director General of the Syrian Investment Authority, held discussions with a delegation from the Syrian-British Business Council on Monday to explore ways of deepening economic cooperation and broadening investment prospects in Syria.

In a statement on its Telegram channel, the Authority said the meeting, held at its headquarters in Damascus, focused on activating the Council’s work inside Syria and reviewing investment opportunities available across multiple sectors that support the development process and help attract capital. The two sides also examined preparations for the investment conference scheduled in Syria for 2026.

Al-Hilali reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to shaping a more attractive and facilitative investment environment, stressing the importance of economic partnerships with friendly countries in supporting the recovery phase and expanding development projects.

For its part, the delegation expressed keen interest in strengthening channels of economic cooperation and exploring new areas of collaboration, affirming that Syria offers promising potential in many vital sectors capable of generating sustainable opportunities for both sides.

The meeting forms part of the Authority’s broader efforts to expand cooperation with foreign business councils and reinforce the flow of investments into Syria’s vital sectors.

New York, Dec.02 (SANA) UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that the United Nations is experiencing its “weakest cash position in years,” citing nearly $1.6 billion in unpaid dues that continue to undermine the organisation’s ability to operate.

Speaking before the Fifth Committee of the General Assembly, which oversees administrative and budgetary matters, Guterres said: “Cash liquidity remains fragile, and this challenge will persist regardless of the final approved budget,” pointing to next year’s reduced budget and what he described as “the unacceptable scale of arrears” owed by member states.

As of the end of last year, unpaid contributions totalled $760 million, most of which remains outstanding. In addition, the organisation has yet to receive $877 million in assessed contributions for 2025, bringing total arrears to approximately $1.586 billion.
With only weeks left in the calendar year, 145 out of 193 member states have paid their 2025 contributions in full. Major contributors, including the United States and Russia, have not yet submitted their payments.

“I have repeatedly appealed to Member States to pay their assessed contributions in full and on time,” Guterres said, warning that the shortfall has forced the Secretariat to operate significantly below the approved budget.

The warning comes as member states consider revised estimates for the 2026 regular UN budget, which already includes major structural reductions under the UN 2.0 reform initiative intended to enhance efficiency, modernise operations, and reduce costs.
The revised proposal sets the 2026 regular budget at $3.238 billion, a reduction of $577 million (15.1 percent) from 2025 levels. It includes the elimination of 2,681 posts, representing an 18.8 percent decrease from the current year.

Special political missions are expected to face reductions exceeding 21 percent, mainly due to mission closures and streamlined staffing structures.
As part of broader cost-saving measures, the United Nations plans to consolidate payroll processing into a single global team across three duty stations and create joint administrative centres beginning in New York and Bangkok. The Secretariat is also examining roles that could be relocated to lower-cost duty stations. The plan includes $5.4 million in one-time separation and relocation costs and relies on voluntary separation programmes to limit involuntary departures.

Some diplomats have cautioned, however, that the proposed cuts could disproportionately affect General Service staff and junior personnel, rather than senior

WEST BANK, Dec. 02 (SANA) A Palestinian boy was killed by Israeli occupation gunfire in the city of Hebron, while another Palestinian was seriously injured near the village of Umm Safa northwest of Ramallah, the Palestinian news agency WAFA reported. 

According to the agency, Israeli soldiers prevented Palestinian Red Crescent teams from reaching the injured to provide first aid.

For the second day in a row, Israeli occupation forces continued their raid on Tubas and the nearby town of Aqqaba, storming several homes, converting some into military barracks, and arresting 11 Palestinians. WAFA added that the forces also demolished a house in Aqqaba.

Israeli soldiers carried out additional raids in several neighborhoods of Tulkarm, and in the towns of Shawawra, Za’tara, Dar Salah, and al-Ubeidiya east of Bethlehem, as well as Az-Zawiya west of Salfit and Beit Dajan east of Nablus. The forces arrested six Palestinians and closed the northern entrances to al-Bireh and Ramallah.

In a separate development, Israeli occupation forces stormed the town of Zawata west of Nablus, forcing families in 13 residential buildings to evacuate their homes before blowing up the house of a Palestinian prisoner.

Damscus, Dec.02 (SANA) The Syrian Wind Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Ihab Quteish, presented an evening of wind-ensemble music at the Drama Theater of the Damascus Opera House on Monday, offering a performance distinguished by direct interaction between the stage and the hall.

Audience members moved from listening to participating, responding to Quteish’s cues and incorporating their clapping into the live rhythmic structure of the concert. The conductor led with a style built on reading the room and moving across the stage to sustain an engaging, communal atmosphere.

The program combined classical European works with Eastern and Latin influences, shifting in tone and tempo from one piece to another and giving the evening renewed energy. Quteish’s leadership extended beyond directing the musicians to including the audience as part of the musical fabric.

In a statement to SANA’s correspondent, Quteish said the concert formed “a musical journey that brings together different styles and forms,” noting that the orchestra continues its work to revive the artistic scene.

He added that music carries special importance under current circumstances, describing stage performance as “a source of passion and a constant message of peace” for artists. He expressed appreciation for the collective effort behind the event, calling the performance a result of long-term collaboration and shared belief in music’s ability to restore the human spirit and reinforce hope.

Founded in 2019 under Quteish’s direction, the Syrian Wind Orchestra includes 36 musicians performing on woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments. Its concerts feature a range of Eastern and Western repertoire.

Maestro Quteish is a trombonist who studied at the Higher Institute of Music and completed postgraduate studies at the Faculty of Musical Education. He previously performed as principal trombonist with the Syrian National Symphony Orchestra and gained international experience in Germany, Algeria, and China, in addition to teaching at music institutes in Damascus.

Quneitra, Dec. 02 (SANA) Israeli forces carried out an incursion into al-Samdaniyah village, in northern Quneitra countryside, following a series of raids throughout the week.

 SANA reporter in Quneitra stated that an Israeli unit, comprising two tanks and 14 military vehicles, moved into al-Samdaniyah, set up a checkpoint, and inspected citizens there.

On Monday, Israeli forces launched a similar incursion into several villages in southern Quneitra countryside.

Israel continues its aggressive policies and violations of the 1974 disengagement agreement through incursions into southern Syria. Syria continues to demand the withdrawal of Israeli forces from its territory, calling on the international community to fulfill its responsibilities and stop Israel’s aggressive practices.

Ankara, Dec. 02 (SANA) Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned on Monday that the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian war poses a growing threat to the safety of navigation in the Black Sea.

In a statement following a government meeting, Erdogan was quoted by Anadolu Agency as saying, “Targeting commercial vessels in our exclusive economic zone is a matter of increasing concern.”

Erdogan emphasized, “We cannot, in any way, justify attacks that endanger the safety of navigation, particularly in our exclusive economic zone.” He added that Turkey has been closely monitoring recent developments aimed at ending the Russian-Ukrainian conflict and reiterated Turkey’s full readiness to offer any necessary support.

The Hague, Dec. 02 (SANA) The International Criminal Court (ICC) has strongly defended its independence and neutrality against unprecedented U.S. sanctions targeting its senior officials. The court’s president, alongside several European nations, emphasized their commitment to the institution’s autonomy at the annual meeting with representatives from member states on Monday.

In a direct response to the sanctions, ICC President Tomoko Akani firmly rejected any form of external pressure, saying, “Let’s be clear, we do not accept any pressure, of any kind.” She reiterated that the court’s core principles of independence and impartiality were non-negotiable, stating, “Our loyalty is solely to the Rome Statute, the founding document of the court and international law.” Akani also noted that the ICC, which prosecutes individuals accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity, is enduring its most challenging period in its 23-year history.

French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin, who attended the meeting, voiced France’s “unwavering commitment” to the court, calling the sanctions “unacceptable.”

Denmark’s representative Elsebeth Sondergaard Krone, the EU’s spokesperson and Denmark’s representative, reinforced the bloc’s strong defense of the ICC, condemning the sanctions and threats aimed at undermining the institution’s work.

The U.S. sanctions were imposed in response to the ICC’s decision to issue an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over his role in the Gaza conflict. The move angered Washington, prompting President Donald Trump to impose sanctions on ICC judges and prosecutors.

Damascus, Dec. 01 (SANA) President Ahmad al‑Sharaa held a video call with Syria’s National Football Team Monday following its 1–0 win over Tunisia in the Arab Cup in Qatar, congratulating the players for the victory he said “brought joy to the hearts of all Syrians.”

During the call, al-Sharaa said the win reflected the team’s determination and resilience, noting that sports have become an important outlet for Syrians after 14 years of hardship. He added that every achievement by the national team helps lift the spirits of the Syrian people and raise the country’s profile.

“You made all Syrians happy with this outstanding performance,” al-Sharaa told the players. “We hope you will bring even more joy in the matches ahead. Stay focused and patient, and we will work to rebuild stadium and sports-facility infrastructure with support from several countries committed to investing in this sector.”

Al-Sharaa also thanked the team’s Spanish coach, praising his leadership and emphasizing that victories come through the collective effort of the technical staff and players. He wished him continued success in guiding the team toward greater achievements, including a future qualification for the World Cup.

Team members expressed their gratitude to president al-Sharaa for the gesture, reaffirming their determination to pursue further accomplishments.

Syria opened its Arab Cup campaign earlier in the day with the 1–0 win over Tunisia.

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Lattakia, Dec. 01 (SANA) Internal Security Forces in Lattakia have arrested five officers who served under the defunct regime following a series of carefully executed security operations, the Interior Ministry said Monday.

The Ministry said in a statement that the detainees had held “sensitive positions” during the era of the defunct regime, including serving as physicians and military judges at Tishreen Military Hospital in Damascus.

According to initial investigations, the five are accused of involvement in serious wartime violations, killings, and covering up other crimes allegedly committed against several civilians inside multiple detention facilities operated by the defunct regime.

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Washington, Dec 01 (SANA) U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that the Syrian government is working to build a “real and prosperous state,” stressing that the lifting of what he described as “very strong and biting” sanctions had played a central role in supporting Syria’s recovery.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said Washington is “very satisfied” with the results achieved so far in Syria, attributing the progress to “hard work and determination,” and said “the United States is doing everything within its power to make sure the Syrian government continues along its development path.

“It is very important that Israel maintains a strong and true dialogue with Syria, and that nothing takes place that will interfere with Syria’s evolution into a prosperous state,” Trump said.

He added that Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa is working hard to ensure positive outcomes, expressing hope that both Syria and Israel would have “a long and prosperous relationship together.”

“This is a historic opportunity, and adds to the success already attained, for peace in the Middle East,” Trump said.

The remarks come weeks after President al-Sharaa’s official visit to Washington on November 9, during which he held talks at the White House with President Trump. The meeting was attended by Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other officials.

The talks focused on strengthening Syrian-American bilateral relations, lifting sanctions and expanding cooperation across a range of political, economic and development sectors.

Damascus, Dec. 01 (SANA) The conference “Humanitarian Action and Recovery for Syria – Local Solutions for Sustainable Impact” kicked off Monday in Damascus, bringing together representatives of more than 170 humanitarian organizations and local associations to discuss future policies for civil society and sustainable approaches to recovery efforts in Syria.

The three-day conference is organized by the German organization (Help), in cooperation with the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor, the Syrian NGOs Alliance, the NGO Forum, the charitable associations unions in Damascus, Rural Damascus and Aleppo, the Syrian Networks League, and the Northeast Syria Platform.

Discussions will focus on current challenges facing humanitarian and recovery work, along with practical solutions and recommendations to be adopted by Syrian and international stakeholders and decision-makers.

Help organization, founded in 1981, is an international humanitarian organization that supports people affected or threatened by crises and assists them in building safe, dignified, and self-reliant lives.

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Damascus, Dec. 01 (SANA) Syrian Ministry of Education launched Monday a central workshop titled “Developing a Roadmap for Advancing the National Framework for Inclusive Education,” in cooperation with international partners.

The workshop kicked off in cooperation with UNICEF, the Finnish Relief organization, the UN Development Program (UNDP), Terre des Hommes, and the Italian Civil Volunteer Group.

The two-day workshop aims to kickstart the process of updating Syria’s national framework for inclusive education by drafting an operational roadmap. It also seeks to reaffirm the joint commitment of national and international partners to support the initiative under the supervision of the Ministry of Education.

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Damascus, Dec. 01 (SANA) Syria Health Minister Musab Al-Ali discussed Monday with UNICEF’s representative to Syria Myrta Rilano Arana avenues of cooperation in healthcare.

The meeting addressed mechanisms for rehabilitating 82 health centers as well as plans for vaccine distribution, enhancing cooperation in building the capacities of health institutions, and organizing workshops to train and empower medical personnel.

Syrian Ministry of Health received in August three advanced refrigeration trucks from UNICEF as part of efforts to strengthen the national immunization system with support from the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI).

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Quneitra, Dec.1 (SANA) Israeli occupation forces infiltrated Monday from al‑Hamidiyah point in the northern countryside of Quneitra province, moving along al‑Samdaniyah al-Sharqiah road toward the town of Juba and the village of Umm Batnah.

According to SANA’s reporter in Quneitra, a force consisting of three military vehicles advanced from al‑Hamidiyah in northern Quneitra countryside, taking al‑Samdaniyah al-Sharqiah road and setting up a checkpoint between Juba and Umm Batnah amid ongoing movements in the area.

In a relevant context, the reporter added that upon the arrival of another force composed of three tanks and military vehicles at Abu Qubays hill in southern Quneitra countryside, the occupation forces fired shots into the air before directing fire toward nearby civilian homes in order to intimidate residents and drive them away from the vicinity. Sporadic gunfire was also recorded during the incursion to terrorize the population.

The reporter noted that the occupation vehicles remained stationed around the hill with limited movement, and no clashes were reported so far. Information indicates that no civilian injuries were recorded despite the gunfire directed at homes.

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Damascus, Dec. 01 (SANA) President Ahmad al‑Sharaa received on Monday U.S. Special Envoy for Syria, Tom Barrack, in Damascus.

The meeting addressed recent developments in the region and issues of mutual interest.

Foreign Minister, Assad Hassan al‑Shaibani, attended the meeting.

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Tokyo Dec. 01 (SANA) Japan called on Monday for respect of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity following the recent Israeli strike on the town of Beit Jinn in Damascus countryside.

In a post on X, the Japanese Embassy in Damascus stated “Japan is deeply concerned about the civilian casualties” caused by the recent Israeli attack in Beit Jinn. It also urged “Israel to respect the territorial integrity, national unity, and sovereignty of Syria, in full accordance with international law.”

Last Friday, Israel carried out an attack on Beit Jinn that left 13 people martyred and dozens injured.

Damascus, Dec. 1 (SANA) A delegation from the Saudi Export Development Authority is visiting Syria as part of a trade mission aimed at boosting commercial partnerships between the two countries. The event brought together more than 265 Saudi and Syrian companies.

The mission focused on key sectors including construction materials, food, and medical products and services, as part of broader efforts to develop commercial ties and promote trade.

The two-day mission involved several governmental entities. On the Syrian side, participants included the Ministry of Economy and Industry. The Saudi delegation featured the Ministry of Investment, the Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, and the Saudi Export-Import Bank (EXIM). Supporting entities included Banque Saudi Fransi (BSF) and Al Baraka Bank – Syria.

Activities during the mission included intensive bilateral meetings between participating companies and their Syrian counterparts. Discussions focused on exploring opportunities for commercial cooperation, identifying market needs, and establishing partnerships to expand Saudi products and services in Syria in line with the development of the national industry.

The trade mission is part of growing joint efforts to enhance economic cooperation, expand mutual investment in line with Syria’s reconstruction priorities, and create new opportunities for the private sector in both countries.

Bucharest, Dec. 1 (SANA) A delegation from Syria’s Ministry of Interior participated in a seminar titled “Impacts of Emerging Environmental Crimes on Security” in Bucharest, Romania. The event, organized by Naif Arab University for Security Sciences in cooperation with the Romanian Republican Guard, brought together experts and specialists from across the Arab world and international institutions.

The Syrian delegation included senior Interior Ministry officials and took part in discussions exploring the security implications of emerging environmental crimes at national, regional, and international levels. Discussions focused on developing prevention and response mechanisms and enhancing coordination between security agencies and relevant institutions to mitigate the effects of such crimes.

Participants also examined international best practices in environmental protection and combating illegal activities that harm ecosystems, with an emphasis on the role of security agencies in supporting environmental protection strategies in line with global standards.

Syrian participation in regional and international conferences reflects the country’s efforts to strengthen its global presence, engage with academic and security institutions, and exchange expertise to address shared challenges.