SANA - Syrian Arab News Agency

London, Dec.01 (SANA)  The UK’s Special Representative for Syria, Ann Snow, has emphasized the United Kingdom’s commitment to holding accountable those responsible for chemical attacks in Syria and beyond.

“On the International Day of Remembrance for Victims of Chemical Warfare, I stand in Douma—a city scarred by Assad’s chemical attacks—to honor the victims and reaffirm the UK’s unwavering commitment to accountability,” Snow said in a post on X this Sunday, adding: “No impunity for chemical weapons. Ever.”

The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), through a report issued by its Investigation and Identification Team (IIT) on January 27, 2023, confirmed that the former regime was responsible for the chemical attack on Douma on April 7, 2018, using toxic chlorine gas. The attack claimed the lives of 43 civilians, including 10 children and 15 women.

The International Day of Remembrance for All Victims of Chemical Warfare is observed by the United Nations on November 30 each year. Established by the UN General Assembly in 2005, the day commemorates victims of chemical warfare and underscores the OPCW’s commitment to confronting the use of chemical weapons.

Idleb, Dec. 01 (SANA) A wide-scale campaign to remove rubble and restore infrastructure began Monday in Maaret al-Numan, southern Idlib countryside, aiming to ease residents’ movement and improve basic services.

Ahmed Haj Khamees, head of the city’s rubble removal community committee, told SANA that the campaign is supervised by the Local Administration in Idlib Province and the Maaret al-Numan Municipality, and implemented by the Binaa Organization with support from the UN Development Programme. Work focuses on clearing streets and public areas to reopen them for residents.

Khamees said several main dumping sites have been designated on the city outskirts, using prepared pits to prevent debris from being dumped in agricultural or forested lands.

Local resident Khaled al-Najjar welcomed the initiative, saying the accumulated rubble had made daily travel, particularly for schoolchildren, difficult.

Organizers described the campaign as one of the largest operations in the Idlib countryside since the city’s liberation, aimed at restoring services and encouraging displaced residents to return.

New York, Dec. 01 (SANA) Hundreds of people gathered in New York city on Monday to mark the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.

Demonstrators carried Palestinian flags and signs calling for an end to Israel’s bombardment of Gaza and an immediate U.S. arms embargo on Israel. They said Washington’s continued military support has enabled what they described as an ongoing genocide over the past two years, according to the Palestinian news agency WAFA.

Protesters also urged divestment from companies linked to Israel’s military operations and demanded an end to U.S. financial and military aid to Israel to pressure the American government to protect civilians in Gaza.

Similar demonstrations and solidarity events have recently taken place in capitals and cities across the world, denouncing the mass killings in Gaza and urging accountability for Israel’s actions

Idleb, Dec.01 (SANA) Syrian security forces have arrested several members of ISIS during operations in the northern and western countryside of Idleb, the Interior Ministry reported Monday. Weapons, ammunition, explosive belts, and improvised explosive devices were also seized.

Brig. Gen. Ghassan Bakir head of Internal Security in Idleb, said in a statement that the operations, carried out in cooperation with the General Intelligence Directorate, targeted ISIS cells in the Dana area in the north of the province and west of Idleb city. The raids were part of ongoing efforts by Syrian authorities to dismantle terrorist networks in the region.

He added that the operations uncovered the involvement of some cell members in the killing of a civilian near Maarrat Misrin. Two suspects were killed during the raids after refusing to surrender, while the others were taken into custody.

The detainees have been handed over to judicial authorities for further investigation and prosecution.

Damascus, Dec.01 (SANA)  The Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Damascus hosted a ceremony Sunday evening at the Four Seasons Hotel to mark the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, with Arab ambassadors delivering formal speeches during the ceremony outlining long-standing regional support for the Palestinian cause.

Saudi Ambassador to Syria Faisal bin Saud Al-Mujfel said in his speech that the Kingdom, through its embassy in Damascus, “embodies the support and solidarity of the Saudi leadership and the Saudi people with the Palestinian people.” He added that the day is observed internationally to reaffirm political, economic and humanitarian backing for Palestinian rights and aspirations.

Al-Mujfel said that the Kingdom “has been engaged in this cause — which is the cause of all Arabs — since 1948,” emphasizing that Saudi Arabia’s position remains rooted in consistent political and humanitarian commitments.

The Palestinian Ambassador to Syria Samir Al-Rifai expressed his appreciation to the Saudi Embassy for organizing the event, saying in his speech that the UN’s establishment of the day in 1977 came as “a form of acknowledgment of the injustice and historical error committed against Palestine and its people when the 1947 resolution to partition Palestine was adopted.”

Al-Rifai said the 1947 partition plan was only partially implemented, noting in his speech that “a Palestinian state was never established and the Palestinian people still face a long struggle to realize it.” He added that Israel was admitted to the United Nations in 1949 on the condition that it accept the establishment of a Palestinian state and allow refugees to return, “but it disregarded all international resolutions related to the Palestinian issue.”

Jordan’s Ambassador Sufyan al-Qudah described the Palestinian cause as “the highest and most noble cause, at the heart of Arab foreign policy,” noting that all Arab countries remain united in supporting it. He praised the Saudi Embassy for organizing the event, calling it “a vital demonstration of solidarity with the Palestinian people.”

Ahmad Jassem Al-Hussein, president of the Arab Writers Union in Syria, said the Palestinian tragedy “is not only Palestinian but Arab,” emphasizing that commemorating the day affirms Arab support for Palestine.

The ceremony included a screening of a film highlighting Saudi political, economic, and humanitarian support for Palestinians and regional peace initiatives. The film underscored that Arab efforts for peace have been consistently rejected by Israel.

Damascus, DEC. 1 (SANA) As the term of current Secretary-General António Guterres concludes in late 2026, the position is drawing significant international attention, particularly among major powers seeking a candidate capable of addressing the challenges ahead.

To allow member states more time to submit nominations, the Presidents of the UN General Assembly and the Security Council issued a joint message on Tuesday outlining the process for selecting the organization’s ninth Secretary-General.

The message underscored the importance of nominating women and upholding the principle of regional diversity.

The next Secretary-General will confront an increasingly complex global landscape marked by escalating conflicts, geopolitical tensions, a worsening climate crisis, widening digital divides, and emerging technological and security challenges.

General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock emphasized that the international community is seeking effective leadership rooted in three pillars—peace and security, human rights, and development—while ensuring the organization is prepared for future challenges.

The role demands integrity, diplomatic experience, and a strong commitment to the principles of the UN Charter. The Secretary-General must lead the UN system and play a pivotal role in mediation, peacekeeping, and fostering dialogue among nations.

Quneitra, Dec. 01 (SANA) Israeli forces carried out a new incursion early Monday into the western side of the village of Saida al-Hanout in the southern countryside of Quneitra.

According to SANA reporter in Quneitra, an Israeli military unit consisting of three vehicles deployed inside the village, while a drone flew overhead to monitor the area.

The incursion coincided with the movement of two Israeli tanks from the al-Burj point in Quneitra toward the al-Hamidiyah point in the northern countryside.

On Sunday, Israeli forces advanced into both the northern and southern countryside of Quneitra and set up two checkpoints to inspect passersby.

Israel continues to violate the 1974 Disengagement Agreement through expanding its incursions into the countryside of Quneitra and Daraa and by targeting civilians.

Syria continues to demand the withdrawal of Israeli forces from its territory and calls on the international community to assume its responsibilities and deter what it describes as Israel’s hostile practices.

Baghdad DEC. 1 (SANA)

Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani discussed with Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack on Sunday practical mechanisms for Iraq to continue supporting Syria’s stability, security, and economic recovery

According to a written statement issued by Iraqi Prime Minister’s Media Office, the two officials reviewed ways to reinforce Syria’s stability, security, and prosperity, in a manner that also strengthens Iraq’s stability and development.

The two officials also exchanged views on preventing further escalation in the region, placing it on a path of cooperation, long-term stability, and economic growth. They expressed support for diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving regional disputes.

Barrack stressed “the constructive and essential role Iraq can play in achieving these shared objectives,” according to the statement.

Al-Sudani has repeatedly affirmed Iraq’s commitment to supporting Syria’s stability, unity, and sovereignty.

Washington, DEC. 1 (SANA)

A powerful winter storm sweeping across the Great Lakes region in the United States has led to hundreds of flight cancellations and delays in Chicago, Illinois.

According to global flight-tracking service FlightAware, more than 250 flights to and from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport were canceled at the close of the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, while over 900 flights were delayed.

The Associated Press reported that emergency crews worked to restore power to thousands of residents in Wisconsin. In Iowa, Des Moines International Airport reopened by midday after a Delta Connection aircraft arriving from Detroit skidded off an icy runway. No injuries were reported, and passengers were transported to the terminal by bus.

The National Weather Service noted that strong winds in Iowa pushed snow across roadways, prolonging hazardous travel conditions.

The Great Lakes region, straddling the U.S.–Canada border, is the largest freshwater lake system in the world by surface area. It comprises Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario.

Occupied Jerusalem, DEC 1 (SANA)

Four international activists were injured on Sunday in an attack carried out by Israeli setlers in several areas of the West Bank, in a new escalation of violations carried out under the protection of the Israeli forces.

Palestinian medical sources told WAFA that around 10 masked Israeli setlers stormed the activists’ residence at dawn, beat them, and stole personal belongings, including passports and mobile phones, leaving four injured—three with moderate injuries and one critically wounded.

They were transported to the hospital for treatment.

In a related development, Israeli setlers plowed sections of farmland on Sunday near the town of Sinjil, located northeast of Ramallah, in what appears to be an effort to assert control over the land, according to local sources.

 Other settlers attacked citizens’ property in the Al-Ma’rashiya, northwest of Nablus, and destroyed four vehicles in the town of Yasuf, east of Salfit.

The 10th Regional Forum of the Union for the Mediterranean, attended by Syria represented by Mohammad Bara Shukri, Director of European Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, witnessed the adoption of the Union’s new strategic vision. This vision aims to connect peoples, economies, and states while strengthening Euro-Mediterranean partnership, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the Barcelona Process.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates stated that this marks Syria’s first ministerial-level participation in the Union for the Mediterranean after regaining full membership following a 14-year suspension. The Union officially welcomed the move, considering it a restoration of Syria’s role in regional dialogue and an opportunity to enhance comprehensive cooperation in the region.

During the events, the Syrian delegation took part in launching the New Mediterranean Charter, which provides a strategic framework for cooperation between Union member states and the southern shore. The charter redefines relations on the basis of a balanced partnership and shared responsibilities in areas such as development, energy, climate, migration, and economic connectivity.

Syria’s interventions emphasised making the charter and new vision a practical response to the needs of southern countries. They highlighted leveraging Syria’s return to open tangible cooperation pathways in education, the economy, energy, and transport, thereby supporting recovery and reconstruction efforts while enhancing stability across the Mediterranean basin.

The Union for the Mediterranean is an intergovernmental organization established in 2008 as an extension of the Barcelona Process launched in 1995. It brings together 43 countries from both shores of the Mediterranean, with the goal of strengthening regional cooperation in sustainable development, energy, climate, education, migration, and economic connectivity.

The Syrian-British Business Council was launched Sunday in Damascus, attended by ministers, ambassadors, and businessmen from various sectors in both countries. The event, held at the Royal Semiramis Hotel, was sponsored by the Ministry of Economy and Industry.

The council aims to establish mutually beneficial partnerships between companies, universities, and organizations across Syria and the United Kingdom, contributing to Syria’s development by enhancing its business and educational environment.

Minister of Economy and Industry Nidal al-Shaar affirmed the importance of holding the council in Damascus and the ministry’s commitment to ensuring its success from day one. He noted that the meeting marks a significant step, reflecting Syria’s return to the international community and the recovery of its economic standing, highlighting that such councils serve as platforms to strengthen public-private cooperation and encourage investment opportunities.

Finance Minister Mohammed Yisr Barnieh described the council as a platform to expand job opportunities and strengthen economic and investment ties between Syria and the UK, given the promising investment prospects in Syria.

For his part, minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdul Salam Haykal stressed the council’s role in reinforcing Syria’s reintegration into the international community and restoring its commercial identity. He highlighted the vital role of Syrian companies in building economic alliances and transferring expertise across sectors, contributing to national economic development and opening new avenues of cooperation with the UK.

John Wilks, advisor to the Syrian-British Business Council, told SANA that the council is crucial for strengthening economic relations between Syria and Britain after years of decline. He explained that the council seeks to support the private sector, encourage investment, and foster cooperation between Syrian and British entrepreneurs.

Wilks revealed plans for an upcoming trade conference in Damascus to host business leaders and launch joint projects, stressing the importance of moving from words to action to advance Syria’s economy.

Mundher Nuzha, head of the council’s executive committee, affirmed that the council aims to strengthen economic relations between Syria and Britain and attract investments. He added that its establishment resulted from visits by British companies to Syria and their meetings with officials.

Nuzha explained that launching the council in Syria enhances public-private cooperation in both countries, supports business growth, and creates joint investment opportunities that benefit Syria’s economy while strengthening the council’s international ties.

It is noteworthy that Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani took part earlier this month, on 13 November, in the launch of the Syrian-British Business Council in London.

MHD Ibrahim

DAMASCUS, 30 Nov (SANA) Michael Ohnmacht, Chargé d’Affaires of the European Union Delegation to Syria, reaffirmed the EU’s support for the Syrian people and its continued partnership for justice and the prevention of chemical weapons tragedies.

“On the Day of Remembrance for Victims of Chemical Weapons, we stand with the Syrian people and all victims of these crimes worldwide.” Ohnmacht posted on Platform X.

He added: “The EU continues its partnership for justice, respect for international law, and ensuring these tragedies are never repeated.”

The EU’s stance comes in the context of crimes committed by the former regime in Syria, which used chemical weapons against unarmed civilians to suppress the Syrian people’s revolution. These documented attacks left thousands dead and injured, drawing widespread condemnation from the international community.

MHD Ibrahim

DAMASCUS, 30 Nov (SANA) For the second consecutive day, humanitarian teams have assisted displaced families from Beit Jinn in returning to their hometown in the western Damascus countryside.

On Sunday, 30 November, 13 families were relocated from Beit Jinn Farm back to the town, following the transfer of 11 families the previous day.

The displacement occurred on Friday, 28 November, after Israeli forces advanced into the area, sparking clashes with local residents. The incursion was accompanied by indiscriminate shelling that targeted civilian homes, leaving several martyrs and injured, including women and children.

MHD Ibrahim

Damascus 30 Nov (SANA)The Syrian Narcotics Directorate, in coordination with Iraq’s General Directorate for Drugs and Psychoactive Substances, has foiled an attempt to smuggle 57 kilograms of pot in a joint, high-level security operation, the Interior Ministry said on Sunday.

In a statement, the ministry announced that two suspects were arrested during the operation. The narcotics were confiscated, and the arrestees were referred to the competent judicial authorities to face the necessary legal procedures.

The ministry said the operation reflects the growing level of regional coordination and the continued efforts to combat cross-border criminal networks and protect society from the dangers of narcotics. It added that the Narcotics Directorate will continue to implement strict legal measures and strengthen international cooperation to safeguard national security and stability.

The Narcotics Directorate, in coordination with Internal Security Forces, has intensified its campaign to curb drug trafficking, which it says expanded during the deposed regime through widespread production, domestic distribution, and export to neighboring countries.

The operation, underscores a shared regional commitment to collective action against drug trafficking and reinforces Syria’s determination, alongside its partners, to strengthen security and stability. According to the ministry.

Quneitra, Nov 29 – (SANA) – Israeli occupation forces carried out a new incursion into the northern and southern countryside of Quneitra and set up two checkpoints to search civilians.

SANA’s correspondent in Quneitra reported that a patrol of the occupation forces, consisting of four military vehicles, moved in from the Al-Hamideyah point and established a checkpoint at the junction linking the villages of Al-Hamideyah and Al-Samdaniyah Al-Gharbiyah, where troops searched passersby and monitored movement in the area.

Another Israeli unit, made up of six military vehicles, advanced into the southern Quneitra countryside and set up a checkpoint near the batteries factory on the road between the villages of Breiqa and Kodna.

Yesterday, an Israeli force had advanced into the post located south of the village of Ruwayhina and north of Zbeida Al-Gharbiyah in southern Quneitra.

Israel continues its aggressive policies and its violations of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement by expanding its incursions into the countryside of Quneitra and Daraa and targeting civilians. Syria continues to demand the withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from Syrian territory and calls on the international community to assume its responsibilities and deter Israel’s hostile practices.

A/Dh

Tehran 30 Nov (SANA) Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Sunday urged the international community to take immediate action to stop Israeli expansionist policies that he said are undermining stability in Syria and Lebanon.

Speaking at a joint press conference in Tehran with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Fidan said the talks covered key regional issues, including Palestine, Gaza, Syria and Lebanon, as well as Israeli actions in the region, Iran’s nuclear negotiations, and tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

“Turkey and Iran agree that Israeli expansion is currently the primary security threat facing the region,” Fidan said, according to Turkey’s Anadolu Agency.

Fidan stressed that preserving the ceasefire in Gaza remains a top priority, describing it as a fragile achievement reached after significant international effort. “The main objective now is to protect the ceasefire in Gaza and move to the next phase of the agreement,” he said.

He also called for an immediate end to what he described as continuing Israeli aggression in the occupied West Bank and Jerusalem, stressing that the international community must shoulder its responsibilities and act decisively.

Separately, Fidan reiterated Turkey’s position that establishing lasting stability in Syria is essential to safeguarding the country’s unity and territorial integrity, noting that this remains a central priority of Turkish foreign policy.

DAMASCUS, 30 Nov (SANA) – Justice Minister Mazhar al-Wais discussed Sunday, with Abdul Baset Abdul Latif, head of the National Authority for Transitional Justice, the need to strengthen coordination between judicial bodies and transitional justice committees in order to accelerate procedures and reinforce the rule of law.

During the meeting, held today at the Ministry of Justice, Al-Weis underscored the importance of working closely with the National Authority for Transitional Justice in areas of shared responsibility, enhancing human rights and building state institutions on sound foundations to activate the transitional justice process and solidify the rule of law.

In a statement to SANA following the meeting, Prosecutor General of the Syrian Arab Republic, Judge Hassan Al-Turba, said the ministry will continue full cooperation with the authority in the coming phase. He noted that both sides agreed to allow the authority’s teams to visit prisons and review the files of detainees.

Al-Turba said that joint efforts have made significant progress and will continue in ways that support the establishment of justice and ensure redress for victims. He noted that standards are currently being applied to distinguish between those responsible for serious violations and those for whom no such involvement has been proven, emphasizing that the forthcoming transitional justice law will provide a comprehensive legal framework with clearly defined mandates.

He added that it remains essential to continue processing cases referred by the Ministry of Interior.

A/Dh