Syria Today | August 2008

Syria welcomes home long lost fighters

Syria received the bodies of 114 Syrian, Palestinian and Arab fighters on July 23, released following a deal between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.

Obama voices support for Syrian-Israeli talks

The United States should back the Syrian-Israeli peace process, US presidential candidate Barack Obama said on July 23.

Syria condemns ICC’s move against Sudan’s president

President Bashar al-Assad rejected the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) move to arrest Sudan’s president on charges of war crimes and genocide in Darfur on July 22.

Syrian FM meets Lebanese president

Syria’s Foreign Minister Walid al-Mu’allem handed Lebanese President Michel Suleiman an invitation from Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on July 21.

Syria discusses nuclear issue with Iran

President Bashar al-Assad discussed with Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki the French viewpoint on the Iranian nuclear issue.

Palestinian president visits Syria on peace talks

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas failed to meet any Damascus-based officials from the rival Palestinian group Hamas during a three-day visit to Syria beginning July 6.

Back in Business

Syria has undergone a head-spinning change in its regional and international standing since lending its support to the Doha Accord. But will it lead to better relations with the US?

Contraband Clothing

Although widely available, the sale of second-hand clothing remains officially illegal in Syria. Voices are now calling for the ban to be lifted.

Syria-Spain bolster economic ties and joint investment

Spain will establish a EUR 50m credit line targeting small and medium size enterprises and a EUR 3-5m microfinance institution in Syria.

First private firm enters Syria’s electricity sector

Syria’s first private power plant will be established following the signing of an agreement between energy company Kharafi Cham.