August 2010Issue No. 64
Local News
Customs police foil gold and diamonds smuggling attempt
The Directorate General of Customs seized SYP 70m (USD 1.47m) worth of gold, diamonds and watches at the Damascus International Airport on June 8.
Young British-Syrian volunteers head to Homs
Twenty young British and Syrian students have begun a three-month voluntary work programme in Homs as part of the Global Xchange (GX) project organised by the British Council.
Assad urges Lebanese leaders to work together
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad urged Lebanese leaders to work together in the wake of the country’s national elections in a telephone call to his Lebanese counterpart Michel Sleiman, the AFP news agency reported on June 10.
Syria pushes for Palestinian reconciliation
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to discuss the Egyptian-mediated reconciliation talks between rival Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah in Damascus on June 20.
Syria reiterates denouncement of ICC arrest warrant on Sudanese President
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad reiterated to Sudanese Foreign Minister Deng Alor in Damascus that his country rejects foreign interference into Sudan’s war-torn western region of Darfur, Syria’s state-run news agency SANA reported on June 9.
Netanyahu speech met with anger
Syria and Damascus-based Palestinian factions have accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of sabotaging peace efforts after he delivered a key note foreign policy speech in which he said he would be willing to back the creation of a Palestinian state, but only if it was demilitarised and Palestinians drop their demand for a full right of return.
British Parliament debates Syria and Association Agreement
A lively adjournment debate on British-Syrian relations, Syria’s role in the Middle East and the Syrian-EU Association Agreement took place in the British Houses of Parliament on June 24, with MPs arguing now is the time to deepen relations between the two countries.
Assad sets terms for cooperation with UN Special Tribunal
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said his country would cooperate with the UN special tribunal probing the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, but only “within its own conditions”.
Lajat designated as UNESCO biosphere reserve
Lajat, a natural area on the Syrian-Jordanian border distinguished by its basaltic and arid earth, was one of 22 new sites added to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s (UNESCO) World Network of Biosphere Reserves on May 30.
Syria names former army chief new defence minister
Syria named former Army Chief of Staff Ali Habib Mahmoud as its new defence minister, Syria’s official news agency SANA reported on June 3.
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.
Twenty young British and Syrian students have begun a three-month voluntary work programme in Homs as part of the Global Xchange (GX) project organised by the British Council.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to discuss the Egyptian-mediated reconciliation talks between rival Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah in Damascus on June 20. 
Lajat, a natural area on the Syrian-Jordanian border distinguished by its basaltic and arid earth, was one of 22 new sites added to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s (UNESCO) World Network of Biosphere Reserves on May 30.
