Brussels to Host First EU–Syria Dialogue, Conditional on Political and Human Rights Reforms
ARK News.. The Council of the European Union announced in a statement on Wednesday, May 6, that the first high-level political dialogue between the European Union and Syria will be held in Brussels on May 11, following a recent proposal by the European Commission to resume implementation of the agreement signed between the two sides in 1978.
The meeting will be co-chaired by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani. The talks are expected to establish a political framework for future relations.
The Council statement said the dialogue represents an opportunity to make progress toward normalizing relations between the two sides and to assess cooperation tracks related to EU support for the Syrian transitional authorities in achieving stability, strengthening social and economic recovery, and advancing an inclusive political transition.
The European approach also includes facilitating the “safe, voluntary, and dignified” return of refugees at a time when EU member states host large numbers of Syrians, in addition to enhancing Syria’s integration into regional connectivity projects in transport and energy sectors.
On May 5, Human Rights Watch sent a letter ahead of the political dialogue between the EU and Syria, stating that the European Union should use its leverage and adopt a “more for more” approach, linking the normalization of relations with tangible progress on human rights.
The organization urged the European Commission and the Council to ensure that EU messaging during and after the upcoming dialogue emphasizes concrete progress in key areas, including justice and accountability, security sector reform, and reconstruction and recovery.
The cooperation agreement between the EU and Syria was partially suspended in 2011 in response to repression and human rights violations committed by the former Assad government.
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Masrour Barzani and Jan Jambon Discuss Latest Regional Developments
ARK News.. Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region Masrour Barzani held a phone call on Thursday, May 7, 2026, with Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Jan Jambon to discuss ways to strengthen relations between the Kurdistan Region and the Kingdom of Belgium, in addition to reviewing the latest developments in Iraq and the wider region.
During the call, the Prime Minister expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the support provided by Belgium and European countries in general, particularly in confronting the threats and dangers posed by ISIS terrorists.
For his part, the Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister reaffirmed his country’s support for the security and stability of the Kurdistan Region.
The two sides also stressed the importance of preserving security and stability across the region.
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Syrian Interior Ministry Seizes Warehouse Containing Materials Used in Drug Manufacturing
ARK News.. The Syrian Interior Ministry announced the seizure of a warehouse containing huge quantities of primary chemical materials used in the manufacture of narcotics.
The ministry stated that the “Anti-Narcotics Directorate carried out a specialized and tightly coordinated security operation as part of its ongoing efforts to target drug dens and limit the spread of narcotics.”
According to the statement, the operation resulted in the arrest of several suspects identified by their initials as M.A., M.H., and A.A. Field teams also confiscated 160 barrels with a total weight of 15.840 tons, in addition to 320 boxes, each containing four glass bottles filled with a liquid substance, bringing the total number to 1,280 bottles.
Syria
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Trump: We Will Obtain Enriched Uranium from Iran
ARK News.. The U.S. president announced that the United States will obtain enriched uranium from Iran, as both countries continue efforts to reach an agreement to end the war.
Speaking to reporters while leaving an event at the White House on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump said, “We will get it,” referring to Iran’s enriched uranium.
The American president also stated that the United States had held “very good talks” with Iran over the past 24 hours, adding that it is highly likely the two countries will reach an agreement.
One of Trump’s main objectives behind launching military strikes on Iran was to ensure that Tehran would not acquire a nuclear weapon.
Iran has not yet handed over more than 408 kilograms of highly enriched uranium.
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KDP Bloc Announces Return to Iraqi Parliament Activities
ARK News..The Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) bloc in the Iraqi Parliament announced on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, its official return to resuming its legislative duties in Baghdad, affirming that the decision came as a result of positive understandings and intensive dialogue with
political forces and the prime minister-designate.
The statement reads:
“Based on the national trust granted to us by our people, the Kurdistan Democratic Party bloc has always viewed its presence and political positions within the legislative and oversight process as a means to defend the constitutional rights of all Iraqis, foremost among them the legitimate rights of the people of Kurdistan, in addition to consolidating the foundations of genuine partnership in governing the state.
Accordingly, we announce to the public that, following positive understandings reached among the political forces—particularly after the visit of the Prime Minister-designate and a high-level delegation from the Coordination Framework to the Kurdistan Region and their discussions with our party’s political leadership —
And as a continuation of these efforts through the visit of the Kurdistan Democratic Party’s negotiating delegation to Baghdad with the aim of reaching fundamental solutions, our bloc has decided to resume its parliamentary work and activities within the Council of Representatives.
This return stems from our legal and national responsibility and in order to follow up on the implementation of agreements and understandings related to guaranteeing constitutional, legal, and financial rights.
At the same time, we reaffirm that we will remain at the forefront in defending and securing the full legitimate rights of all Iraqis, including the legitimate rights of the people of Kurdistan.”
Kurdistan Democratic Party Bloc in the Iraqi Parliament
May 6, 2026
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U.S. and Iran Near Agreement to End the War
ARK News.. An international news agency reported that peace efforts between the United States and Iran are approaching an end to the conflict between the two sides.
According to Reuters, a Pakistani source involved in the peace efforts said on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, that the United States and Iran are close to reaching a one-page memorandum to end the war between them.
According to the Pakistani source, "This will end very soon, and we are getting close to that.”
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Over 660,000 Syrians Return from Turkey to Their Homeland Since the Fall of the Syrian Regime
ARK News.. Turkish authorities announced that the number of Syrians returning from Turkey to Syria since the fall of the former Syrian regime has exceeded 660,000 people.
The Turkish Ministry of Interior stated, according to updated data from the Directorate General of Migration Management, that the number of Syrians under temporary protection in Turkey stands at 2,280,542.
The ministry added that after December 2024, a total of 667,565 Syrians have returned to Syria.
It further noted that the number of Syrians who have voluntarily and safely returned from Turkey since 2016 until today has reached 1,407,568 people.
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United States: Kurdish Surgeon Receives International Accreditation in Robotic Surgery
ARK News.. Dr. Ghazi Zebari has received a prestigious international accreditation as a “Surgeon of Excellence in Robotic Surgery” from the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC), coinciding with the designation of Willis-Knighton Health as a Center of Excellence in this field in the United States.
This accreditation is considered one of the global certifications granted to physicians who meet high standards in quality, efficiency, and the delivery of safe and effective healthcare, following a rigorous and comprehensive evaluation process that includes clinical performance and institutional practice.
The awarding institution confirmed in an official statement that this achievement reflects Dr. Ghazi Zebari’s leadership in his specialty and his ongoing commitment to improving the quality of medical services, in addition to his role in advancing modern treatment methods, particularly in the field of robotic surgery.
It also noted that obtaining this accreditation requires integrated cooperation between medical and administrative teams, as well as adherence to strict standards that ensure sustained excellence and continuous performance development.
The institution further indicated that entities awarded the SRC Gold Seal benefit from advanced programs in quality improvement and medical marketing, enhancing service efficiency and positively impacting patient outcomes.
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European Parliament in Brussels Hosts Conference on Kurdish Affairs
ARK News.. The European Parliament in Brussels is hosting, on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, a conference dedicated to Kurdish affairs within its premises, aimed at strengthening the position of the Kurds and Kurdistan in international forums and activating the role of the Kurdish lobby in global diplomatic decision-making centers.
The conference is organized by the Confederation of Kurdish Communities (KON-KURD), with broad participation from European parliamentarians, prominent political figures, and representatives of the Kurdish diaspora.
The conference proceedings are scheduled to open with the reading of a message from Masoud Barzani, marking the start of sessions set to begin at 3:00 p.m. Kurdistan time.
This conference is of particular importance due to the nature of the issues on the agenda, as participants are expected to discuss a range of strategic files related to the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, in addition to current developments and political conditions in the Middle East.
Through this gathering within the European Parliament building, organizers aim to strengthen diplomatic relations between the Kurds and the international community in a way that serves the aspirations of the Kurdish people and enhances their presence in global political circles.
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Nechirvan Barzani and Qais al-Khazali Review Iraq’s Political Landscape
ARK News.. Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani met on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, with Qais al-Khazali, secretary-general of Asaib Ahl al-Haq, as part of his ongoing meetings in the federal capital, Baghdad.
During the meeting, both sides reviewed the general political landscape in Iraq and the course of ongoing efforts to form the new federal government. They also discussed the latest regional developments and their potential implications for Iraq’s stability and security.
The two sides stressed the need to reach common understandings to resolve outstanding issues and highlighted the importance of continued cooperation and coordination among various political forces to overcome current challenges in a way that safeguards the country’s higher national interests and meets the aspirations of all components of the Iraqi people.
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