SANA - Syrian Arab News Agency

Ankara 30 Nov (SANA)Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on Sunday that Syria is slowly emerging from years of economic crisis and the scars of conflict, noting that Turkey, Germany, several European countries, and the United States are all working to support the country’s recovery.

Fidan’s statements came during an interview with the German newspaper Welt am Sonntag, Fidan described Syria’s recovery as steady but slow, adding that around 500,000 Syrians have returned from Turkey to their homeland since the end of last year. He expressed optimism that continued positive developments over the next one to two years would encourage more returns by creating new economic opportunities for Syrians abroad.

“As conditions improve, more people will see viable prospects for livelihoods inside Syria,” Fidan said.
However, the Turkish foreign minister warned that Israel’s actions currently represent the main obstacle to Syria’s recovery.

Fidan had reiterated earlier this week the importance of preserving Syria’s unity and sovereignty during a joint press conference with his German counterpart, Johann Wadephul, in Berlin. He stressed that Syria’s stability is vital for both regional and global security.

“Stability in Syria makes a major contribution to regional and international stability,” Fidan said. “It is essential for Syria to heal its wounds, accelerate its economic development, and take its proper place in the fight against ISIS.”

Damascus, 30 Nov – (SANA) Syria’s Ministry of Local Administration and Environment held a meeting on Sunday at the ministry’s headquarters to discuss a comprehensive mechanism for archiving real estate documents, as part of preparations to fully automate the national land registry system and establish a reliable, unified digital archiving framework across all governorates. The meeting was also attended by technical and IT experts from relevant authorities.

In a statement to SANA, Deputy Minister for Administrative Affairs Dhafer al-Omar said the meeting aimed to develop an integrated plan to facilitate document archiving and ensure a gradual transition from paper-based records to fully electronic systems.

Al-Omar explained that the automation process is being implemented in two parallel tracks: the land registry and the cadastral (surveying) registry. The land registry phase has been divided into three stages. The first involves archiving contracts together with property records using a coding system that will later be linked to the cadastral registry. The second stage includes the deployment of digital software tools—such as an Android application and contract digitization programs—followed by operational testing. The third stage will establish the full procedural link between paper and electronic records, in partnership with technical experts and relevant institutions.

Director General of the Real Estate Directorate Abdul Karim Idris said the project is critical for safeguarding property rights and strengthening the credibility of real estate records. He noted that the newly developed software has already undergone trial use and that organizational standards have been set for its daily adoption to streamline citizen services.

Meanwhile, the ministry’s Director of Digital Transformation, Ahmad al-Alawi, said the project will be implemented in two main phases: first, archiving contracts, followed by archiving official land registry records. He indicated that the initial phase in Damascus is expected to take between six and seven months, using trained technical teams, dedicated digital equipment, and specialized data storage systems.

Al-Alawi stressed that the project aims to improve service efficiency, reduce administrative costs, enhance transparency and accountability, and ensure the continuous updating of real estate data.

DAMASCUS, 30 Nov (SANA)The General Federation of Trade Unions in Syria opened its 28th General Conference on Sunday in Damascus, the federation’s first national gathering after liberation, held under the slogan “A Legacy of Struggle… A Pledge of Giving.” The one-day meeting convened at the federation’s headquarters and began with a presentation on the history of the federation and its role in supporting the working class through decades of challenges.

Addressing the opening session, federation head Fawaz al-Ahmad said the conference comes at a nationally significant moment to review achievements and renew the commitment between the federation and Syrian workers. He noted that the working class has remained a pillar of national resilience and an essential partner in reconstruction.

Al-Ahmad said the federation has worked to revitalize union life, reactivate occupational health and safety programs, and strengthen the workers’ health system by linking routine examinations to workplace requirements. He added that the federation continues efforts to incorporate relevant international labor agreements into national legislation in ways that protect workers’ lives and rights while remaining consistent with national sovereignty.

He pointed to cooperation with the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor, along with industry and commerce chambers, which has supported the development of vocational training programs aligned with labor-market needs. He also highlighted the federation’s participation in regional and international labor conferences, saying this engagement has helped convey the voice of Syrian workers to global forums.

Al-Ahmad said the federation had signed cooperation agreements and understandings with unions in several countries in recent months, enabling new leadership roles and exchanges of expertise that have produced practical results. He reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to continue working toward integrating international agreements on occupational safety and health into national legislation in ways that support a modern, fair, and sovereign work environment.

Damascus, Nov 30 (SANA) Syrian Minister of Agriculture Amjad Badr met on Sunday with Jordan’s Ambassador to Damascus, Sufyan al-Qudah, to discuss reviving bilateral agricultural agreements and expanding cooperation amid shifting regional conditions.

Badr praised the historic ties between the two countries and highlighted Jordan’s advanced agricultural capabilities. He emphasized the need to deepen joint work in plant and animal research, technical training, and expertise exchange, particularly given the similar climate challenges shared by both countries.

Ambassador al-Qudah expressed Jordan’s readiness to support Syrian efforts to address current challenges and advance cooperation in ways that benefit both countries.

The meeting follows discussions held in July, when a Jordanian delegation led by Jordan Chamber of Commerce President Khalil al-Haj Tawfiq met with the Syrian Agricultural Engineers Syndicate to explore creating a joint agricultural calendar aimed at coordinating imports and exports and stabilizing product flow.

Cairo, Nov. 30 (SANA)The Arab Parliament has strongly condemned Israel’s repeated attacks on Syrian territory, calling them a violation of Syria’s sovereignty and international law.

In a statement, Arab Parliament President Mohammed bin Ahmad Al Yamahi described the strikes as a “dangerous escalation that threatens regional stability” and urged the international community to assume its legal and moral responsibilities to halt the attacks and hold those responsible accountable.

Al Yamahi reaffirmed the parliament’s full solidarity with Syria in preserving its security and territorial integrity, stressing that any assault on an Arab state undermines collective Arab security.

The statement followed an Israeli strike early Friday on the town of Beit Jinn in the Damascus countryside, which killed 13 civilians and injured dozens. Israeli forces reportedly entered the town, detained three residents, and carried out heavy shelling in several areas.

Tartous, Nov 30 (SANA) The historic hall in Tartous came alive with music and Mediterranean charm as the “Voices from the Roots – Tartous, the Memory of the Mediterranean” event showcased Syria’s first-ever participation in the international Euro-Mediterranean celebration.

Organized by the Friends of Music Association in partnership with the City Council and the local Artists’ Syndicate, the event was part of the European Day festival that brought together performers from 43 countries.

A Milestone for Syria

The event marked a historic moment for Syria, with the Ladies of Melody Choir, led by maestro Bishr Issa, performing alongside the local Artists’ Syndicate Ensemble. The program featured a wide variety of traditional music.

Bishr Issa, chair of the Friends of Music Association, described the festival as “one of the most significant cultural events in the Tratous this year.” He added that Syria’s debut at this international celebration reflects the country’s vibrant cultural presence in the Mediterranean and highlights the enduring value of its shared heritage.

Highlighting Women in Syrian Culture

The event also emphasized the role of women in Syria’s cultural scene. Antonia Bahna, a singer in the Ladies of Melody Choir, expressed pride in representing Syria on a stage that celebrates both its cultural legacy and the contributions of women. Yara Hamdan, board member of the Urjwan Choir, noted that the performances left a lasting impression on the audience, evoking the spirit of a bygone golden era.

Celebrating Mediterranean Day

Held annually on November 28, Mediterranean Day commemorates the Barcelona Process of 1995, which established Euro-Mediterranean cooperation. The event aims to celebrate shared identity, Mediterranean heritage, and cultural dialogue, inviting local organizations to present music and arts under the banner of “Voices from the Roots.”

Gaza, Nov. 30 (SANA) Gaza hospitals reported three new fatalities in the past 24 hours, including two recently killed and one person recovered from rubble, along with two additional injuries, as Israeli attacks continue despite the ceasefire announced on October 10, 2025.

Rescue and civil defense teams remain unable to reach many victims trapped under debris and in the streets, according to local sources.

Since the ceasefire, at least 356 Palestinians have been killed, 908 injured, and 607 bodies retrieved from rubble.

Overall, the assault on Gaza since October 7, 2023, has claimed 70,103 lives and left 170,985 wounded, according to local health authorities.

Occupied Jerusalem, Nov 30 (SANA) Israeli forces continued to violate the ceasefire in Gaza, carrying out artillery shelling, airstrikes, and home demolitions across the enclave, according to the Palestinian news agency WAFA.

The Israeli army reportedly targeted Palestinian homes and conducted heavy shelling from helicopters in the eastern part of the Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza. Six airstrikes were also reported in eastern Rafah, in the southern part of the territory. In Khan Yunis, artillery fire struck a house in the town of Bani Suhaila, east of the city.

Since the ceasefire came into effect October 10, Israeli forces have carried out more than 535 violations, resulting in the deaths of at least 350 Palestinians.

Damascus, Nov. 30 (SANA)  France has reiterated its support for Syria’s unity, sovereignty, and stability in line with international law and the 1974 Disengagement Agreement.

Jean-Baptiste Faivre, the French chargé d’affaires in Syria, said Sunday on the X platform that Paris calls on Israel to respect Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He expressed concerns over reports of civilian casualties in Israeli military operations targeting the town of Beit Jinn in the Damascus countryside.

Faivre also urged countries in the region to contribute to efforts aimed at enabling Syria to serve as a center for peace, security, and stability, in the interest of both the Syrian people and the broader region.

The remarks come amid repeated Israeli attacks and incursions into Syrian territory. In the early hours of Nov. 28, Israeli forces carried out a dawn assault on Beit Jinn, resulting in 13 civilian deaths and dozens of injuries.

Capitals, Nov. 30 (SANA) – Thousands of people took to the streets of major European cities Sunday to mark the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people, calling for an end to Israeli attacks in Gaza and the West Bank and urging the international community to uphold international law.

In Athens, Greece, hundreds participated in a march organized by local civil society groups. Protesters gathered in a central city park, waved Palestinian flags, and chanted slogans such as “Freedom for Palestine” as they moved toward the Israeli embassy, demanding a halt to Israeli attacks and a just resolution to the Palestinian issue.

In Paris, France, thousands joined a demonstration called by more than 80 non-governmental organizations. Participants carried banners reading “Stop the Massacre” and voiced support for Palestinians in Gaza. Prominent left-wing politicians, including France Unbowed party leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon, attended the march. Ann Touyon, head of the France-Palestine Association, called for international sanctions against Israel to stop what she described as “mass killings” and violations in Gaza and ongoing settlement expansion in the West Bank.

Spain saw demonstrations in more than 40 cities, including Madrid and Barcelona. Protesters demanded an end to what they called Israel’s “mass killings” and a complete arms embargo, chanting slogans such as “Free Palestine” and “Israel is the killer.” A joint statement by civil society groups condemned Israeli “colonialism, occupation, and apartheid” over the past 78 years and urged European governments to cut ties with Israel and support legal action through international courts. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in a statement emphasized his country’s support for a fair and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue.

In London, United Kingdom, tens of thousands marched from Green Park to Downing Street, organized by the Coalition for Palestine. Protesters denounced continued Israeli attacks on Gaza despite ceasefire agreements and criticized the British government’s ongoing arms sales to Israel.

Milan, Italy, hosted a solidarity march with participants carrying large banners reading, “Freedom for Palestinian prisoners, stop the fire.” In Cork, Ireland, protesters raised Palestinian flags and displayed images of journalists killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza, chanting “Freedom for Palestine.” Meanwhile, Berlin, Germany, witnessed demonstrations urging an end to the Israeli occupation and accountability for those fueling the conflict.

The United Nations General Assembly designated November 29 as the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People in 1977 to support the Palestinian cause and highlight violations against them. In a message Sunday, UN Secretary-General António Guterres renewed calls for solidarity with Palestinians, emphasizing their right to dignity, justice, and self-determination. He praised their resilience as an inspiration for the international community in pursuing peace.

Damascus, Nov. 30 (SANA) — Syria’s U-17 national football team enters a must-win encounter today against Myanmar at Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon, concluding Group G action in the centralized AFC U-17 Asian Cup qualifiers.

The team approach the decisive match with renewed confidence after returning to contention for the group’s direct qualification spot. Syria must win by at least two goals, but not by a 2–0 scoreline, meaning qualifying victories start from 3–1, 4–2, or higher. Such results would place Syria atop the group and deliver a long-awaited return to the Asian Cup finals, which the team last reached in 2014.

The qualification race features a tight three-way contest between Syria, Myanmar and Oman. Myanmar need only a win or a draw to qualify, and could even advance with a one-goal loss. Oman remain in contention as well and could reclaim the group lead if Syria win 2–0 specifically — the only scoreline that revives Oman’s chance to top the group.

Under AFC rules, ties on points are broken by head-to-head results, then goal difference and goals scored in those direct encounters. Syria lost to Oman 1–3, while Oman fell to Myanmar 0–2, leaving Syria’s path dependent on surpassing both sides in goals scored within their mini-table. A win by two goals starting from 3–1 is therefore the only route to simultaneously overtake both rivals.

If Syria win by a single goal, or if the result ends 2–0 in Syria’s favor, the team must await the outcome of Oman vs. Afghanistan, kicking off at 3:30 p.m. Damascus time, hoping Oman drop points to keep Syrian qualification chances alive.

Syrian football supporters expressed hope that the youth team will deliver the needed result and restore Syria’s presence at the continental finals after more than a decade.

The decisive match between Syria and Myanmar kicks off at 7:30 p.m. local time at Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon.

Damascus, Nov 30 (SANA)

The ARPA Choir & Orchestra presented an evening of Baroque and sacred music at the Greek Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady of the Dormition in Damascus, offering audiences a moving message of peace.

For over an hour, the ensemble led by maestro Jamil al-Bitar performed masterpieces spanning the 16th to 19th centuries, immersing the audience in the rich textures and spiritual depth of Baroque music. The program included prayers, hymns, and classical vocal and instrumental works.

The concert opened with Claudio Monteverdi’s “Vespers”, followed by vocal pieces by Spanish composer Tomás Luis de Victoria. The orchestra then performed George Frideric Handel’s “Piper’s Dance” and Jean-Joseph Mouret’s “Rondeau”, while the choir delivered a cappella works by British composer Karl Jenkins.

Highlights included an ancient liturgical hymn arranged by Mozart in a contemplative style, evoking a profound sense of peace, and Antonio Vivaldi’s flowing, poetic hymn. The ensemble also performed Pergolesi’s “Stabat Mater”, a work written in the final weeks of the composer’s life, conveying both anguish and devotion through its expressive string accompaniment. The evening concluded with Vivaldi’s eight-movement “Laudate Pueri Dominum”.

The concert drew an international audience, including Turkey’s ambassador to Syria, Nuh Yılmaz, local Christian clergy, and the Maronite Archbishop of Aleppo, Mar Joseph Tobji.

Founded in 2021, the ARPA Choir & Orchestra brings together musicians and 21 singers from Aleppo and across Syria. The ensemble focuses on historically informed performances of Baroque and other classical works, promoting this musical heritage locally and internationally.

Damascus, Nov. 30 (SANA) — Activities marking Syria’s first participation in Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) concluded in Damascus on Sunday, ending a program that ran since Tuesday under the slogan “Together We Build.” The event was organized in cooperation between the Ministry of Communications and Technology and Startup Syria, and hosted at Shooters Club in the Mezzeh area.

Communications Minister Abdul Salam Haykal said in a speech during the closing event in Damascus that Global Entrepreneurship Week offered a genuine opportunity for the world to reconnect with Syria and for Syrian entrepreneurs to advance their projects, strengthen the startup sector and benefit from the expertise of visiting specialists, as well as empowering young people to enter the labor market.

Sinan Hatahet, Director of the Syrian Computer Society, said in a statement to SANA that the week’s activities brought together Syrians from inside and outside the country, helping exchange ideas and open avenues for expansion beyond Syria’s borders, while supporting the reintegration of Syrian companies active abroad into the local market.

Rami Bou Jaoudeh, managing partner at the Lebanese consulting firm Termendom, told SANA that the company is committed to supporting entrepreneurship in Syria by examining the projects developed by Syrian entrepreneurs and sharing expertise with specialists from abroad to help develop the sector.

The event also included honoring several entrepreneurs, women innovators and emerging companies for their contributions.

Across the country, more than 75 activities were held in 25 cities and towns, focusing on innovation, women’s entrepreneurship, finance and investment, social impact, and the role of startups in economic and social recovery. Organizers said the week aimed at highlighting Syrian entrepreneurial talent and raising awareness of the importance of the startup ecosystem in rebuilding the national economy.

Damascus, Nov. 30 (SANA) — The Damascus Directorate of Education has organized the “Art and Victory” exhibition, bringing together a vibrant collection of student artwork from 13 visual arts centers across the capital. Held on the first anniversary of liberation, the exhibition places young voices and creative expression at the heart of the commemoration.

Ayman Hisham Yassin, director of Damascus Education, described the works as “paintings of joy, hope, and resilience,” noting that each piece carries messages of peace and human connection.

Jalal al-Ghazi, director of the Visual Arts Educational Centers, highlighted the diversity of the exhibition, which spans oil and watercolor paintings, handcrafted wood and cardboard pieces, and a notable selection of artwork made from recycled materials. Alongside the displayed works, the event features drawing sessions, handicrafts, fashion design pieces, and open workshops designed to bring the creative process closer to the public.

Art as Memory, Identity, and Renewal

Among the participating students, Farah al-Zarba presented paintings inspired by Damascus’s layered history and the symbolic resilience of its people. Another student, Obada al-Hanbali, showcased a model of the Khalid Ibn al-Walid Mosque crafted from eco-friendly materials, merging cultural heritage with environmental awareness.

Students from the Mohammed Naji Obeid Center contributed a collective installation titled “A Nation’s Story,” using recycled materials to create an abstract narrative that reflects both historical moments and the imaginative capacities of youth.

Artist Muwaffaq Makhoul, founder of the Fine Arts Centers, emphasized the deeper purpose of arts education, describing art as a means of building emotional intelligence, nurturing tolerance, and strengthening children’s sense of belonging. “Before it is a creative act,” he said, “art is a way of shaping one’s inner world.”

The exhibition’s opening included short documentary screenings highlighting the role of the centers in discovering and supporting young talent, as well as a musical performance by singer Razan al-Qudsi. The event drew a large and enthusiastic audience, underscoring the enduring cultural appetite for artistic expression in Damascus.

Damascus, Nov 30, (SANA) – Syria’s Ministry of Agriculture discussed mechanisms for implementing the interest-free loan project aimed at supporting the wheat crop during a meeting held today at the ministry’s headquarters in Damascus. The session brought together Agriculture Minister Amjad Badr, the Director of the Agricultural Cooperative Bank Ahmad al-Zuhri, and provincial agriculture directors.

Minister Badr said during the meeting at the ministry that the in-kind loan, which includes wheat seeds and fertilizers, is designed to assist farmers and reinforce production of wheat as a strategic crop. He added that priority will be given to irrigated areas to secure better yields.

The minister stressed the need for field committees capable of covering all targeted villages, supervising organization, distribution, planting, crop-growth stages, and addressing challenges. He noted that the committees are required to provide regular reports, emphasizing the role of agricultural extension in guiding farmers and providing accurate technical information to ensure proper loan use and higher productivity.