Syria Today | June 2008

US extends economic sanctions against Syria

US President George Bush extended economic sanctions against Syria on May 7 under the charge that Damascus was still a threat to the security, economy and foreign policy of the US.

Damascus demonstrates against 60th anniversary of Israeli occupation

Thousands of Palestinian refugees and Syrians protested in a government-backed demonstration on May 15 against the 60th anniversary of the Israeli occupation of Palestine.

Syrian-Israeli indirect peace talks confirmed

Damascus confirmed on May 21 that it has begun indirect peace negotiations with Israel via Turkey.

Damascus announces support for Lebanese Doha agreement

The Syrian Government has expressed its support for the agreement reached between Lebanon’s rivaling political factions in Doha on May 21.

Damascus and Tehran boost military cooperation

On May 26, Syrian Defence Minister General Hasan Turkmani and his Iranian counterpart Mostafa Mohammad Najjar signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen military cooperation between the two countries.

A Place of One’s Own

As Israel marked the 60th anniversary of its foundation last month, three generations of refugees in Syria talk about their shifting relationship to the land of Palestine.

Raising a Banner of Hope

A 27,000 square-metre Palestinian flag was unfurled in Damascus in May, sending out a strong message to the world that Palestinians have not forgotten their homeland or given up their struggle for the right of return.

Time for a Plan

From its Crusader castles and Roman ruins to its vast swathes of forests, Syria boasts a wealth and diversity of historic and natural sites that is unrivalled in the region.

25 percent salary raise for public sector

‏President Bashar al-Assad issued legislative decrees number 24 and 25 on May 4 increasing the monthly salaries of state employees and monthly pensions of retired state employees by 25 percent. The decrees aim to make up for the rising prices of food, fuel and other commodities in Syria.

British American Tobacco opens plant in Syria

Syria’s General Organisation of Tobacco (GOT) and British American Tobacco Ltd. (BATUKE) opened a cigarette production plant in Syria.