- DAMASCUS — Syria's
information authorities chief Hamza Al-Mustafa has said that indirect
negotiations with Israel have begun to address the recurring Israeli strikes in
the country.
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- In a press conference following a cabinet meeting chaired by
Syrian interim leader Ahmad Al-Sharaa, Al-Mustafa said that indirect talks
between Syria and Israel remain in progress, focusing on the enforcement of the
1974 Disengagement Agreement.
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- He also outlined the interim government's reform agenda,
emphasising the country's goal of fostering an attractive investment
environment through updated legislation and greater financial freedom.
Also read: UN Security Council renews sanctions against South Sudan
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- Al-Mustafa quoted Al-Sharaa as saying that the country is
engaged in a "battle against poverty," which spans sectors including
education and human development.
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- He added that Al-Sharaa had called for improved coordination
among "ministries," adoption of modern governance methods, a
crackdown on corruption, and budgetary discipline.
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- Development efforts will prioritise "liberated areas"
and refugee return zones, he said, adding that the interim government had
received investment commitments and would soon announce investments from Saudi
Arabia, Xinhua news agency reported. He also confirmed that the 2025 state
budget allocates a substantial wage increase, which will be announced shortly.
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- Regarding legislative developments, Al-Mustafa said that the
interim government is working on establishing a transitional parliamentary body
tasked with reviewing all existing laws.
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- Israel carried out airstrikes late Friday on multiple
military targets in Syria's coastal provinces of Tartus and Latakia, including
a former special forces headquarters and military positions near civilian
areas, according to Syrian state media and a war monitor.
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