August 2010Issue No. 64
Local News
Syria will launch a campaign demanding a boycott of Facebook after the social networking site allowed Israeli settlers living in the occupied Golan Heights to change their country designation from Syria to Israel, according to a report in the Arabic-language Al-Quds Al-Arabi newspaper on September 15.
Women’s rights NGO appeals to local media
The Association for Women’s Role Development (AWRD) called on local media to help end violence against women during a workshop held in Damascus on September 2.
Saudi ambassador arrives in Damascus
Saudi Arabia’s new ambassador to Syria, Abdullah Bin Abdul-Aziz al-Eifan, arrived in Damascus on August 25.
EU resettlement plan to benefit Iraqi refugees in Syria
Iraqi refugees in Syria are expected to be the first to benefit from the European Commission’s proposal to increase the number of refugees resettled in Europe.
Traffic police get new uniform
Traffic policemen in Damascus shed their army-green uniform for new grey trousers and white shirts last month.
Mobile call rates to be cut
Mobile phone users are set to benefit from a new payment schedule which will see call costs fall, the Syria News website reported on September 9.
Brotherly ties intact
The deadly attacks that shook Baghdad on August 19 have had far-reaching implications on a political level, with Iraqi President Nouri al-Maliki accusing Syria-based Iraqi Ba’ath Party members of masterminding the bombings. Syria Today spoke to a range of Syrians and Iraqis living in Syria to see whether the recent events have changed their view of Syrian-Iraqi ties.
Iraq puts more police on Syrian border
Iraq has stationed hundreds of extra police on its border with Syria to allegedly stop militants from crossing into the country, the BBC reported on September 4.
Syria, Iraq and Turkey discuss water
Syria could receive more water from the Euphrates and Tigris rivers after Turkey announced on September 3 that it will try to increase the water supply that reaches Syria and Iraq.
Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez visits Syria
Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez called for the return of the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights to Syria, labelling Israel an imperialist nation hostile to peace during a two-day visit to Syria from September 3-4.
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.
Iraqi refugees in Syria are expected to be the first to benefit from the European Commission’s proposal to increase the number of refugees resettled in Europe.
Traffic policemen in Damascus shed their army-green uniform for new grey trousers and white shirts last month.
Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez called for the return of the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights to Syria, labelling Israel an imperialist nation hostile to peace during a two-day visit to Syria from September 3-4.
