August 2010Issue No. 64
Local News
Young policeman shot dead during raid A policeman was killed during a raid on a house in Aysoon, a village located 10km west of Homs, Syria News reported on December 2.
Syria requests extradition of 25 Lebanese for questioning over Hariri murder
Syria asked Lebanon for the extradition of 25 officials for questioning over the 2005 assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, the AFP reported on December 9.
Mitchell notches up third Damascus visit
US Middle East envoy George Mitchell met with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to discuss the Middle East peace process in Damascus on January 20. During the talks, Assad said Israel must “declare frankly” that it wants peace.
Pakistan’s President Zardari visits Damascus
Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari visited Damascus to hold talks with Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad on January 8 and 9.
UNHCR distributes food aid to drought victims
The UNHCR began distributing food rations in Syria’s north-east on January 10.
New law to regulate NGOs
A new legal framework governing NGOs in Syria is expected to be unveiled shortly, Syria’s First Lady Asma al-Assad announced on January 23.
Mikdad accuses Iraq of failing to do enough to assist refugees
Syria’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Faisal al-Mikdad has accused the Iraqi government of failing to do enough to help its citizens living in Syria as refugees.
Rise in doctors’ fees unpopular
The Ministry of Health doubled the fees for treatment in private clinics and hospitals last month. The cost of visiting a doctor now ranges from SYP 500 (USD 11) to SYP 1,000 (USD 22). Syria Today hit the streets to gauge public reaction.
New shelter for trafficked women opens in Aleppo
A new shelter for female victims of trafficking opened in Aleppo on January 7.
Two Syrians killed in Haiti Two Syrian expatriates were killed and three others wounded in the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12.
Free Zone revenues up SYP 300m (USD 6.4m) over last year: Revenue figures released for the industrial districts from the first six months of 2010.
Eleventh five-year plan focused on investments: PM Otri said the plan includes investment projects valued at SYP 4bn (USD 85m) with a special focus on Dier ez-Zor governorate.
Campaign to preserve oral heritage announced: The ministry of culture's folklore department will document Syria's story-telling tradition.
Oxford Business Group report released: The study of Syria's economy looks at the role of public-private partnerships in the oil industry and key transport projects.
Emirates Telecom Corp. bids to become Syria's third mobile carrier: The company is the bigger of two mobile operators in the UAE.
New law reorganises telecoms: The sector now contributes to 5 percent of GDP.
Man age 125 dies in Hassakeh: He left behind 187 children and grandchildren.
Homs archaeologocal find proves link between Mesopotamia, Mediterranean and Nile Valley: The dig indicates that the Katana Kingdom had important international-trade ties.
Third mobile phone operater to enter the market: The firm will join carriers Syriatel and MTN Syria.
Regional Special Olympics to be hosted in Syria: 2,500 athletes from 23 countries will participate in the games.
Authorities confiscate drugs: About two million illegal pills were smuggled into Syria from Lebanon.
Venezuela defends flights to Syria: The US c riticised the flights between Caracas, Damascus and Tehran.
Syrian and Iranian officials meet in Tehran: Deputy Prime Minister for economic affairs Abdullah al-Dardari led the delegation.
Ancient coins confiscated in Hama: Police uncovered the 245 coins in an abandoned car.
Tourist visits up in 2010: The figure increased 56 percent during the first seven months of the year.
Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari visited Damascus to hold talks with Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad on January 8 and 9.
A new legal framework governing NGOs in Syria is expected to be unveiled shortly, Syria’s First Lady Asma al-Assad announced on January 23.
Syria’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Faisal al-Mikdad has accused the Iraqi government of failing to do enough to help its citizens living in Syria as refugees.
The Ministry of Health doubled the fees for treatment in private clinics and hospitals last month. The cost of visiting a doctor now ranges from SYP 500 (USD 11) to SYP 1,000 (USD 22). Syria Today hit the streets to gauge public reaction.
A new shelter for female victims of trafficking opened in Aleppo on January 7.
