President Assad in talks with US Senator

13/12/  President Bashar al-Assad called not to interfere in Lebanese affairs since the Lebanese people are capable of understanding each other and  national issues.

The remark came when President Assad received the US Democratic Senator Bill Nelson and reviewed with him the latest developments in Iraq, Palestinian territories and in Lebanon. There was a joint interest of both Syrian and American sides to activate the dialogue and put the mechanisms for the bilateral cooperation.  President Assad underscored firmness of Syria's stance,  calling on the international society to exert efforts with the countries of the region to achieve security and stability. President Assad also underlined Syria's stance calling to make the Middle East free from mass destruction weapons and supporting the peaceful use of the nuclear energy.

President Assad receives his Nigerian counterpart

10/12/President Bahar al-Assad received his Nigerian counterpart Olusegun Obasanjo and the accompanying delegation at the People's Palace in Damascus

Later, a plenary meeting between the members of the two delegations was held in which the two sides reviewed the regional and international situations, particularly the situation in the Middle East and that of Africa.

"The necessity of enhancing cooperation between Syria and Nigeria in all domains, particularly in the cultural, scientific, educational, trade and economic fields in addition to encourage and protect investments in the two countries" were stressed.

In the presence of the two presidents five bilateral agreements were signed on air services, cultural, educational and scientific cooperation and three others agreements on trade and economic cooperation, encouraging and protecting reciprocal investments and setting up a joint committee between the two countries.

Earlier, The Nigerian President arrived Sunday in Damascus on a two-day state visit to Syria. Obasanjo was welcomed at Damascus International Airport by Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem, Tourism Minister Sad Allah Agha al-Qalaa and Nigeria's Ambassador in Beirut Abdel Kabeer Ali al-Siyouti.The Nigerian President is accompanied by an official delegation including Foreign Minister Prof. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. 

Syria and Nigeria Agree to Open Nigerian Embassy in Damascus

11/12/Syria and Nigeria agreed to open Embassy of the Federal Republic of  Nigeria in Damascus. In a meeting between President Bashar al-Assad and the Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, both sides agreed on the mechanisms of coordination in the political field..They sum up their talks which started yesterday and dealt with boosting the bilateral relations in all domains between the two countries.

Earlier in the day, Nigerian President visited martyr's monument at Qasyoun, Umayyad Mosque, and Church of Saint Hananiya in Bab Sharqi  of old Damascus. Nigerian President left Damascus at noon in conclusion of two - day visit to Syria . 

President Assad receives Sudanese President Advisor .

11/12/ President Bashar al-Assad reviewed with Sudanese President's Advisor Mostafa Othman Ismael the current developments in Iraq, Palestinian territories and in Lebanon.Importance of collaborating efforts to achieve security and stability in the region particularly in this critical stage was underscored.President Assad underlined Syria's keenness on Lebanon's stability and her support to all what the Lebanese agree upon.The meeting was attended by Sudan's Ambassador in Damascus Abdelrahman Dhirar.

President al-Assad receives the Turkish Prime Minister

6/12/Syria and Turkey emphasized the necessity of excreting efforts to decrease the existing tension in the region.They also stressed the importance of cooperation among countries of the region to achieve stability and security. Both sides asserted the need to continue coordination and consultation regarding issues of the region and matters of common interests.

This came during a meeting between President Bashar al-Assad and the Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, where they reviewed the situation on the Palestinian, Iraqi and Lebanese arenas. They also conferred on relations of cooperation and friendships between Syria and Turkey, particularly the economic cooperation. The Turkish premier briefed President Assad on aims of his current tour.

 Mr. Erdogan and the accompanying delegation left al-Sah'ab Palace and were seen off by President Assad, Vice President, Speaker of People's Assembly, Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and Minister of Culture.

 Earlier, President Assad received Turkish Prime Minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan and held with him a bilateral meeting. Turkish Prime Minister arrived in Damascus at noon today in an official  one –day visit to Syria. He was welcomed at Damascus International Airport by Prime Minister, Mohammed Naji Otri and Ministers of Tourism, Culture, Health  , Minister of State for Syrian Red Crescent Affairs , and the Turkish ambassador to Syria.

President Assad receives German Foreign Minster .

4/12/ President Bashar al-Assad reviewed  with visiting German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeir the current developments in the region where both sides expressed concern over the prevailing situations in Palestine, Iraq and Lebanon. President Assad presented during the meeting the Syrian vision over the current incidents in the region, stressing that Syria is part of the solution not part of the problem in the region.

His Excellency stressed importance of establishing the just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East, the significance of using the language of dialogue in relations among countries, and the importance of the international community's cooperation to establish security and stability in the region.

President Assad also asserted that Syria doesn't interfere in other countries internal affairs, adding that there is a situation in the region that requires exerting efforts by  everybody to get it out of the current state of tension.

Sharaa gives a political revision

6/12/ Syria's steadfastness and firm principles have pushed the western countries to change their positions towards her, Vice President Farouq Al-Sharaa said in a political revision. Talking at meeting of the National Progressive Front Branches, Vice President Sharaa said Syria's steadfastness and principled positions have pushed the western countries to change stances towards Syria and to send officials to Damascus.

He underlined that Syria can not deviate her steadfastness and principles or concede her legitimate rights, adding that this steadfastness and resistance for foreign pressures made Syria has a big respect in all the Arab world countries where President Bashar al-Assad enjoys the strong support and popularity among the Arab masses.

Sharaa noted that Syria is today as she has always been keen on the Arab solidarity and therefore she is worried about the retrogression in inter-Arab relations.

On the Mideast peace process, Vice President Sharaa said Syria is committed to the restoration of the occupied Golan Heights to June 4th border line in 1967 saying that any peace process that does not achieve this goal can not be acceptable and the long years of negotiations have accomplished a significant achievement embodied in issuing an international acknowledgement and even an Israeli admission that Syria will not accept less than the return of full Golan.

Vice President spoke about bids made to internationalize the Middle East saying this region is exposed to hectic attack that ignores tackling issues where wars are staged and nobody cares about them but rather their might be attempts to enflame them as if the regional is mixed with the international and bids to internationalize  the Middle East launched.

He criticized the US desire to single-handedly deal with the world affaires making the UNSC resolutions as a means of oppressing the third world  mainly the Middle East.

Sharaa also slammed out at the US putting Israel above all considerations and laws as well as thought not to reining her in to continue aggression and occupy the Arab territories but instead they considered everything Israel does as a legitimate right.

Speaking about Lebanon, Sharaa underlined that Syria has no intention to military go back to Lebanon because there is a Syrian decision to let bygones be bygones and the Syrian Lebanese relations are deeper and stronger than any considerations or any conceptions underlining that relations between the two peoples can not be normalized since they are deeply-rooted between the two peoples and the two countries.

Vice President criticized foreign interventions in Lebanon under the title of keeping Lebanon's sovereignty while the aim is to be put that country under foreign hegemony to be totally separated from Syria.

Sharaa wondered about causes of western officials permanent visits to Lebanon and dictating what they want, asking are these diktats pose as an inference or not. He denied that Syria interfered in anyway in Lebanon, saying had she interfered; the issue would have been quickly resolved.

The Vice President noted there are those who refuse to acknowledge the victory made by the national resistance in Lebanon despite that Israel has formed a committee to investigate the causes of defeat there.

Regarding Iraq, Sharaa renewed Syria's stance which supports the political process in Iraq and its territorial integrity, adding "this process requires putting down a timetable for the occupation troops' withdrawal from Iraq," stressing importance of a national comprehensive reconciliation among different Iraqi parties and spectrums. 

"Events in Iraq have proven that the US was in total failure with regard to fulfilling its objectives of occupation… the American public opinion discovered at last that there was a big distortion on the Iraqi file," Vice- President said, adding "there is still an opportunity for the US to correct its policy in the region although it is too late."         

Shara and Ismael Discuss Developments in Region

10/12/ Syria's Vice President Farouk al-Shara discussed with Sudanese President's Special Advisor Mustafa Othamn Ismael developments in Iraq, Palestinian territoriesand current situation in Lebanon.Talks also dealt with bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries Syria and Sudan and means of boosting them.

In a statement following the meeting, the Sudanese Advisor said that " the meeting dealt with bilateral relations between the two countries and situation in region particularly in Lebanon, Palestine and in Iraq. He pointed out that his visit to Lebanon aimed at pushing to establish a national unity government, asserting that Syria is supporting the Lebanese reconciliation and all what the Lebanese agree upon. He added that there was a discussion on how the Arab can contribute in containment of  occurring tension in Iraq and preventing it from turning into a civil war, in addition to achieving true reconciliation in Iraq. On the situation in the Palestinian territories, he said: " it is necessary to exert all possible efforts to establish a Palestinian national unity government."

Sharaa Meets Aleida Guevara

7/12/ Vice President Farouq al-Sharaa received Aleida Guevara daughter of the late revolutionary leader Ernesto Che Guevara. During the meeting there was a recalling to the struggling life history of Che Guevara and his heritage which becomes an example and symbol of freedom fighters for liberation and independence.

Sharaa Discusses with Bargouthi the National Unity Government

7/12/ Vice President Farouq al-Sharaa Discussed with Secretary of the Palestinian National Initiative Mustapha Bargouthi undergoing consultations to form the Palestinian National Unity Government.Both sides also conferred obstacles hindering forming of this government and means of overcoming them in a way that enhancing the Palestinian rank regarding current challenges.

 Syrian, Dutch Foreign Ministers in Joint Press Conference

Dutch Foreign Minister Bernard Bot said "Syria is a main player in the region and assumes a big responsibility", adding "Europe aspires for a constructive role Syria might play in Palestine, Lebanon and Iraq." Mr. Bernard, during a press conference with Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem, described talks with President Bashar al-Assad and other Syrian officials as "very positive and constructive". "The current stage witnesses big opportunities for this region and Syria has an important role on this level," the Dutch Minister noted, expressing confidence that Syria will play this role, not only in this region, but on the level of consolidating relations with the European Union.

Minister Bot underlined that he will convey this positive impression on Syria to his European counterparts next Thursday on the eve of the European summit and to his US counterpart, saying "this move will contribute to improving dialogue and understanding between the EU and Syria, from one side, and between Syria and the US from another. He hailed efforts exerted by Syria in welcoming incomers from Iraq, saying that his country will offer financial assistance for this issue.

For his Part, Foreign Minister Moallem described talks held between the Dutch Minister and Syrian officials as "constructive and fruitful." On the Arab League initiative conveyed by Sudanese President Advisor, Minister Moallem said "we support the Arab League efforts and the Sudanese envoy representing the Arab League President, adding "the content of the initiative is up to Lebanese people and Syria supports what Lebanese people agree on".

Regarding the formation of a Palestinian national unity government, the Minister stressed that Syria, along with Palestinian National Resistance Movement HAMAS and the Palestinian Authority, exert continuous efforts to form this government. "We hold dialogues and don't receive orders from anyone, deal with each one who is good at dialogue language," Minister Moallem said in a reply to a question, the Dutch Minister commented "this is true and it is the reason why I am here in Damascus."

Syrian, German Foreign Ministers in Joint Press Conference

4/12/German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeir stressed that Syria plays a very important role in the Middle East, expressing hope that there would be cooperation in the region to reach stability.

Mr. Steinmeir, in a joint press conference with Syrian counterpart Walid al-Moallem at Damascus International Airport at the conclusion of his visit to Syria, said "I'm here as part of our underway preparations to assume the EU Presidency…and I can say that the region has been passing in a very dangerous transitional phase, and I cannot claim that the situation in the region is stable."

The German Minister called on all the parties to do their best to prevent the repetition of violence in Lebanon. He also called for the implementation of the international resolution No. 1701.

Mr. Steinmeir hailed the resumption of the diplomatic relations between Syria and Iraq, expressing hope that Syria would take a similar step towards Lebanon.

The German Foreign Minister added that he is returning from the occupied Palestinian territories. He said he believed there is a desire to continue the peace process there, pointing to what he described as existing positive and useful signals for everybody, and should be invested positively. He said he is convinced that that Syria has a positive role to play in this regard.

Mr. Steinmeir said Europe, and Germany in particular, have a role and very big responsibilities towards the region, pledging that his country is going to activate the work of the Quartet Committee.

For his part, Minister al-Moallem said President Bashar al-Assad is content over his two-hour talks with the German Foreign Minister, adding that what is important in the visit of Mr. Steinmeir to Syria is the issues which have been discussed objectively and in a constructive spirit.

Mr. al-Moallem pointed out that "we in Syria go along a clear way…we are meeting the interests of our people and their aspirations."  He pointed out that Syria "hasn't isolated anyone from it but rather there are sides in the world which isolated themselves from Syria."

He expressed Syria's willingness "to establish strong and firm relations with all countries of the world, especially Germany….relations based on common understanding and non-interference in the internal affairs…as well as positive participation in development programs in Syria."

Minister Moallem stressed that Syria is determined to resume its diplomatic relations with Iraq based on its keen on the interests of the people of Syria and Iraq, pointing out that this issue is different from the issue of the diplomatic relations with Lebanon.

He pointed out that Syria is going to resume the diplomatic relations with Iraq after they had been severed since 1982, while Syria, in the case of Lebanon, has announced that in principle it has no objection to exchange diplomatic relations with but in proper time.

He added that the stances of some parties in Lebanon are not constructive towards Syria and are not encouraging to take such a move.

Foreign Minister al-Moallem renewed Syria's stance regarding the Palestinian issue represented by supporting the formation of a national unity government where continuous efforts have been exerted over the past few months to reach this goal on the basis of the Palestinian National Charter.

Minister Moallem pointed out to Syria's support to the peace process on the basis of Madrid term of reference and the land-for-peace principle, calling to mind the fact that Israel when it occupied Arab lands in 1967 it didn't care neither about human rights nor civil society organizations.

He stressed that Israel must implement the UN Security Council resolutions, adding that the international community "has to use this narrow window of peace…to encourage it…and head towards establishing a just and comprehensive peace in the region."

Later, the German Foreign Minster left Damascus airport. He was seen off there by Minister Moallem, his Deputy and Directors of Europe, Foreign Media and Special Office Department at the Foreign Ministry.

Mu'alem receives the Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister .

9/12/ Syrian Foreign Minister, Walid Mu'alem reviewed before noon today with Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister , Chi Jion and an accompanying delegation , the developments in the region particularly in Lebanon, Palestine and Iraq. Talks also dealt during the meeting with the standing distinguished relations between the two friendly countries. Mu'alem stressed during the meeting the important role which could be played by China since it is a permanent member of the UN. Security Council, in defending the issues of the developing countries and in establishing international peace and security.

In  a statement to reporters following the meeting , the Chinese official described his talks with Mua'lem as very successful and during which opinions were exchanged  on important issues connected with bilateral relations and on China's point of  regarding  the developments in  region. He added that the Chinese leadership and the Chinese people sent a clear message to the Syrian leadership and the Syrian people , that included China's  determination to boost bilateral relations of friendship and cooperation in various spheres.

He indicated that both sides expressed satisfaction over the development of bilateral relations and over the successful cooperation in all domains, expressing his country's readiness to develop these relations further.

He said both sides had very similar view points with regard to what the region is witnessing either in Iraqi , Lebanese or in Palestinian arenas.

He underlined  that the reason behind  the tense situation in the Middle East lies in occupation and in the unbalanced international policy , and consequently there is a need for just and comprehensive solution to the issues of the region and China is seeking to put an end to occupation and establish justice.

The Chinese official pointed out to President Bashar al-Assad's successful visit to China in 2004 , during which numerous agreements covering the political , economic and trade relations were signed , pointing out that both sides have been seeking to activate and execute these agreements .

He indicated that during the past decade the volume of trade  exchange between the two countries reached USD 90 millions compared to USD 200 millions this year which means that relations have been developing successfully.

Syrian-Chinese Talks Held

9/12/ An official session of talks was held between Deputy Foreign Minister Ahmad Arnous and Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister Chai Gion at the Syrian Foreign Ministry building .Talks during the meeting focused on the latest developments in the region, mainly in Iraq and Palestine. Both sides reviewed role of China as a permanent member of the UN Security Council to contribute in achieving just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East. The talks also dealt with the bilateral relations and ways of developing and boosting them in the various domains.

Dardari and Abdul-Rashiti Discuss the Bilateral Economic Cooperation

13/12/ Syrian Deputy Premier for Economic Affairs , Abdullah Dardari and Deputy Chairman of the Consultative Political National Council For the Chinese People, Abdullat Abdul-Rashiti and an accompanying delegation discussed the standing bilateral economic relations of cooperation  and ways of boosting them in all domains. The two sides discussed ways of exchanging expertise and experiences in the economic and technological spheres and boosting trade exchange between the two countries , raising them to the level of the standing bilateral political relations.

Dardari reviewed the targets of the 10th five- year plan in the economic and investment spheres whereby a growth rate of 8 percent was reached in 2005 , pointing out to Syria's efforts to turn itself to a center of investment attraction in the region and to export its products to the outside world .

For his part, the Chinese official  underlined the remarkable development of the standing bilateral relations between the two countries in all spheres and the volume of trade exchange between the two countries that  has reached USD/1200/millions. He expressed his country's appreciation over Syria's supportive stances to the unity of China , stressing his country's readiness to boost cooperation with Syria .

Syrian and Iraqi Flags Raise in Damascus and Baghdad

11/12/The Syrian and Iraqi flags raised above of the two countries embassies in the two capitals at the beginning of resuming the diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Secretary of the Iraqi Foreign Ministry Mr. Labid  Abawi lifted the Iraqi flag in the presence of the Assistant Foreign Minister Farouq Taha , while Assistant Foreign Minister Mr. Ahmad Arnous lifted the Syrian Flag in the presence of Secretary of the Iraqi Foreign Ministry Dr. Mohamad al-Haj Hamoud. Mr. Abawi underlined in a statement the importance of resuming relations between the two countries, saying that this "occasion reflects the strong will, determination and good intentions of the two brotherly countries to resume the diplomatic relations and to reopen the relations and build them on strong bases."He added that this matter makes us optimistic over the future relations and the future of the region and its stability." We are looking forward to Syria's role to help the Iraqi people in facing circumstances and supporting the political process in Iraq," he said.

For his part, Dr. Taha emphasized that this step comes as a tangible expression of the good intention of the governments in the two countries to resume full diplomatic relations in a way that reflects developing of the geographic, historical ties and the joint civilized heritage.  " This step also means supporting the undergoing political process in the brotherly Iraq to secure the integrity of Iraqi land and people and to rehabilitate Iraq as to restore sovereignty as well as the accomplish withdrawal of the foreign forces from Iraq," he added.

In Baghdad, Mr. Ahmad Arnous said that "this occasion is a very precious one" …. to raise the Syrian flag above  the Syrian Embassy in Baghdad as implementation of  the Foreign Minister's visit crowned by declaration of resuming the diplomatic relations between the two countries.He added that "this step is very important on the way of boosting relations between the two peoples starting from the historical roots connecting them and from the wide area of the Syrian-Iraqi common interests. Assistant Foreign Minister Arnous underlined that Syria is looking forward to consolidate relations in all domains and for efforts aimed at the assertion of the integrity of Iraqi land and people.He thanked the brotherly Algeria for the diplomatic contribution to Bureaus of the Syrian and Iraqi interest Sections in Damascus and Baghdad for many years.

Secretary of Iraqi Foreign Ministry Dr. al-Haj said that this step is the beginning of serious work to establish strong and developing bilateral relations, hailing the Syrian –Iraqi prospective cooperation in the interest of the two countries and two brotherly peoples.

Syrian-Turkish Congress supports stability in the region

10/12/First Syrian-Turkish Municipal Conference underlined Sunday the necessity of supporting security and stability in the region particularly in Iraq, Palestine and Lebanon in addition to enhancing joint cooperation between the two countries and providing the required infrastructure to put the Syrian Turkish Free Trade Zoon agreement into force from the year 2007.

Ending activities, the conference underscored, in recommendations, the importance of exchanging expertise between the two countries in municipal, economic, trade, stock market and industrial fields, supporting the individual institutional initiatives to increase the trade exchange between the two countries and benefiting from the Turkish experience regarding the random housing.Recommendations pointed out to the necessity of facilitating procedures to establish a Syrian-Turkish joint bank.

"It is necessary to seize the opportunity to develop partnership and twining agreements between Syrian and Turkish cities and benefit from the international financing to protect the cultural and archeological ancient heritage," the recommendations said, indicating that a joint project should be established between Syria and Turkish old cities as Damascus and Istanbul for example. Deputy Interior minister Nabil al-Ashraf thanked to the European Union for supporting the developing movement in Syria.

Syria Notifies UN on Health Situation of Syrian Captive Alweli

5/12/ Syrian Foreign Ministry addressed formal notes to UN Secretary General Kofi Annan , Chairman of Security Council for the current month, High Commission of Human Rights and Human Rights Council informing them about the deteriorated health condition of the Syrian captive of the occupied Syrian Golan  Sitan Nmr Alweli.

The notes pointed out to his humiliating and tough health condition with his arrested comrades at the prisons of the Israeli occupation that led to the death of the prisoner Hayel Abu Zeid in Jun 2005 and caused the deterioration of the health condition of Alweli prisoner which is considered as a flagrant violation of principles of the international law and the human international law, particularly Geneva agreements and its two attached Protocols. The notes called on the international commissions to swiftly interfere as to release  

Alweli and his fellows to secure there life, stressing the importance of  making the UN obligate Israel to implement the UNSC resolution No. 497 and all resolutions of the General Assembly and Human Rights Council.   Alweli is arrested at prisons of the Israeli occupation since 1985 after he was sentenced to jail for 27 years in charge of rejecting the Israeli occupation and the Israeli identity.

Earlier, Foreign Ministry handed notes to heads of the diplomatic missions of Russia, China, France, Britain on 4-12- 2006, explaining the issue of captive Alweli

and his comrades, urging their governments in their capabilities as permanent members at the UN Security Council to shoulder big responsibility regarding these human issues and rapidly move to force the Israeli occupation authority to release the Syrian captive and his comrades whom some of them are at the occupation jails since 1985 particularly after the continuous refusal of the authorities to the mediations  and efforts of the international human organizations.

Economic news

Syria and Palestine Sign Protocol of Cooperation in Transport

6/12/Syrian Ministry of Transport and the Palestinian ministry of communication signed the Protocol of cooperation on exchanging expertise and consultations in different fields of transportation.

The Protocol includes exchanging documents related to the required instructions and technical conditions and information related to the modern techniques in  fields of engineering, traffic regulations and limit pollution of environment resulted of the usage of different transport means.

It also stipulates the cooperation in putting the required basis, regulations, and legislations to modernize and renew types of transport in addition to joint coordination between the two sides at the international and regional organizations and unions.

The Ministry of Transport will give the required technical consultations for developing and planning public utilities, offering the finance and technical support at the international and Arab institutions and presenting information about developing standards and specifications to establish and do maintenance to different public utilities of transportation. Both sides agreed to form joint committee to follow up and implement issues agreed upon with regard of the signed Protocol. Deputy Minister of Transport Imad  Abdullhai and  Palestinian Secretary of  Transport and Communication Ministry Ali Shath signed the Protocol.

Syria Owns Promising Investment Environment.

5/12/Kuwaiti Businessmen said that Syria owns a promising investment environment for Arab and foreign investors, stressing importance of the 2nd Conference of Investment and Stock Markets being held in Damascus. 

"The Conference gives Kuwaiti investors a big opportunity to see developments of investment atmospheres in Syria in light of laws and legislations issued during the last years," Deputy Chairman of the Board of Noor Financial Investment Company Naser al-Muri added in a statement to Kuwaiti news agency KUNA. "Noor is one of the Kuwait companies that has investments in Syria… the company is establishing an Islamic insurance company with a $ 30 millions capital and sharing the Syrian Islamic Bank with a capital $ 100 millions" Naser al-Muri noted.

For his part, Director General of the Kuwaiti United Investment Co. in Syria   Khaled Shumari said that holding investment conferences in Syria will increase investment awareness, particularly regarding stock exchange markets.

In this context, recommendations of the just-concluded 2nd conference of Investment and stock markets called for taking necessary procedures to achieve integration between the banks and stock markets to boost economic development in Syria.

New Flight Destinations in Syria

5/12/Minister of Tourism Sadalah Agha al-Qalaa said that his Ministry works with airline companies in quest to open new destinations in Syria with high quality."  "Opening new direct flight routes to Syria, particularly from Arab Gulf countries, reflects the increasing number of tourists who come to Syria," Minister Qalaa added in a meeting with a delegation of Air Arabia headed by General Director Adel Ali. He underlined that opening new flight lines for Air Arabia in Damascus, Aleppo and Lattakia coincides with the government's procedures to facilitate the entrance of tourists and their movements in Syria.

Mr. Adel Ali, for his part, said the aim of opening new destinations in Syria is to let tourists know more about main markets, adding "Lattakia will be an integrated attractive destination whether in tourism or culture."

Syria, the lowest Country Infected by AIDS

5/12/syria is considered one of the world's lowest countries infected by AIDS, a report on the epidemic said. AIDS causalities in Syria have ranged between 1000 and 1500 according to the health ministry sources.

The sources said today the ministry statistics noted that about four million check ups were made over AIDS virus at labs of blood in governorates ." estimations of AIDS casualties and illness spread range between 1000 and 1500 ," the ministry said.Syria is to celebrate the AIDS day on Thursday at Idlib governorate, northwest. The health ministry has put down an effective protecting strategy  before the discovery of the first infection in 1987. The government worded national strategies to fight the disease and established the national committee to fight AIDS. More than a quarter of  million analyses are conducted every year to inspect AIDS in addition to many epidemic and behavior studies that are made over more volatile categories of the society.
 

With the compliments of the media department
Syrian Embassy - Beijing