DAMASCUS, May 31 (Xinhua) -- Syria's information authorities chief Hamza Al-Mustafa on Friday evening said that indirect negotiations with Israel have begun to address the recurring Israeli strikes in the country.
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.
He also outlined the interim government's reform agenda, emphasizing the country's goal of fostering an attractive investment environment through updated legislation and greater financial freedom.
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.
He added that Al-Sharaa had called for improved coordination among "ministries," adoption of modern governance methods, a crackdown on corruption, and budgetary discipline.
Development efforts will prioritize "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.
He also confirmed that the 2025 state budget allocates a substantial wage increase, which will be announced shortly.
Regarding legislative developments, Al-Mustafa said that the interim government is working on establishing a transitional parliamentary body tasked with reviewing all existing laws. ■
