Source Reveals Disputes Between Lebanon and Syria Over Prisoner Transfer File
ARK News.. An informed media source has revealed that the Lebanese judicial delegation returned from Damascus without reaching a new agreement regulating the mechanism for transferring Syrian detainees held in Lebanon, following a round of negotiations that exposed deep disagreements between the two sides over key provisions of the draft agreement.
The newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat quoted a source close to the Lebanese delegation as saying that the atmosphere of the meeting was “generally positive,” despite unresolved issues, noting that the handover of detainees would require legislation from the Lebanese parliament, which is “currently unavailable.”
According to the source, Syrian officials who attended the meeting said that the Lebanese proposal “does not meet the minimum requirements from the Syrian perspective,” arguing that the draft contains “problematic clauses that cannot be accepted” and that infringe upon Syrian state sovereignty.
Sources explained that the first controversial clause grants Lebanon the right to refuse the transfer of any convicted person or detainee without providing justification, describing this provision as “a major loophole that allows Lebanon to withhold the transfer of any prisoner at will, without legal grounds.”
According to the same sources, the most sensitive issue for Syria concerns a clause that would prevent Damascus from granting amnesty to any prisoner transferred from Lebanon, which Syria views as “an interference in the powers of the Syrian authorities.”
They added that there is also “a serious problem with Article 10 of the agreement,” which Lebanon sought to model on the treaty it signed with Pakistan. That article stipulates that the receiving state (Syria) may not grant amnesty to any convicted person or detainee handed over by Lebanon—while the agreement with Pakistan does not deprive Islamabad of the right to grant amnesty to its nationals returned from Lebanon.
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After 40 Years: Syria Signs First World Bank Project to Rehabilitate Power Lines
ARK News.. Syria has signed the final document for a major project to rehabilitate electrical transmission lines in cooperation with the World Bank—marking the Bank’s first project in the country in nearly four decades.
According to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), Syrian Minister of Finance Mohammad Yaser Barniya confirmed that the project is funded through a grant, not a loan, and will support the government’s efforts—particularly those of the Ministry of Energy—to improve electricity supply essential for sustaining the national economy.
The minister also revealed that additional projects with the World Bank are currently under preparation across various sectors. These future projects will likewise be funded through grants and are expected to be announced next year.
It is worth noting that last June, the Minister of Finance announced the World Bank’s approval of a $146 million grant to rehabilitate electricity transmission lines—representing the Bank’s first project in Syria in almost 40 years.
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Kurdistan Region and UK Emphasize Combating Illegal Migration
ARK News.. The Kurdistan Region’s Interior Minister, Rebar Ahmed, and UK Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa, Hamish Falconer, highlighted the importance of strengthening coordination to fight illegal migration and organized crime.
During a phone call, the officials discussed key regional issues, including the formation of the new federal government in Iraq and the upcoming Kurdistan cabinet. They also addressed the recent attack on the Kor Mor gas field by armed groups.
Both sides emphasized the need for continued bilateral relations, cooperation, and coordination between the Kurdistan Regional Government and the United Kingdom to address illegal migration and criminal networks.
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Kurdish National Council Approves Return of Progressive Democratic Party and Warns the Kurdish Center Party
ARK News.. The Kurdish National Council (NKC) held its regular meeting on December 10, 2025, during which it discussed various political and organizational issues and took several key decisions:
1. The Presidency Committee presented a detailed report on meetings held in Damascus and Aleppo, participation in the Middle East Peace and Security Forum organized by the American University in Duhok, and meetings with President Masoud Barzani, Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani, and General Mazloum Abdi under President Barzani’s auspices. The council emphasized that these meetings support the unification of the Kurdish position and enhance the role of the Joint Kurdish Delegation, serving Kurdish national rights and general national interests.
2. The council reaffirmed that addressing the Kurdish issue in Syria should proceed through dialogue, negotiation, and national partnership, stressing the importance of the council’s continued role based on a shared Kurdish vision. It highlighted the need to strengthen the council’s presence in Damascus and its relations with all Syrian national forces, while condemning hate speech emerging from certain circles near the transitional administration.
3. The council stressed strict adherence to its decisions on national and Kurdish issues, calling for accountability for any violations. In this context, it issued a formal warning to the Kurdish Center Party for failing to inform the council or obtain approval for recent activities in Damascus, emphasizing that such actions must not be repeated.
4. The council unanimously approved the return of the Progressive Democratic Kurdish Party in Syria to its ranks, effective from the date of the meeting, underlining the importance of strengthening Kurdish unity and completing its national role.
5. The council approved the electoral list for the Fifth Congress and instructed immediate preparation for the conference, including forming specialized committees and completing organizational procedures.
6. Marking Human Rights Day, the council addressed the dire situation of displaced populations from Sere Kaniye and Gire Sipi, urging the transitional administration to expedite their return. The council also praised the efforts of its legal office for organizing forums in Damascus and Qamishli to discuss resolving the Kurdish issue in Syria in line with international charters and conventions.
The Kurdish National Council in Syria
Qamishlo, December 11, 2025
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Kurdish Film “Sea of Hope” Wins Best Film Award at New Cinema Festival in the Netherlands
ARK News.. The Kurdish short film “Sea of Hope”, directed by Jibril Abu Bakr, has won the Best Film Award at the New Cinema Festival in Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands.
Jibril Abu Bakr, the film’s director, said on Thursday, 11 December 2025: “Out of 2,300 films from 110 countries, only 80 were selected, and just three films were nominated for the award. Sea of Hope managed to win the Best Film Award at the festival.”
He added that “Sea of Hope” is a short film that sheds light on the devastating impact of war on the lives of civilians who have lost everything in its aftermath.
The director explained: “The film gives special attention to the physical and psychological condition of refugees, following individuals who were forced to leave their homes and who face danger at every step as they move along perilous routes—encountering death, suffocation, and fear at every turn in their desperate search for safety and a dignified life.”
The short film “Sea of Hope” has participated in several local and international film festivals in Kurdistan, earning multiple awards and achieving notable success.
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Nechirvan Barzani Congratulates the Kurdistan Women’s Union on Its 73rd Anniversary
ARK News.. Nechirvan Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region, extended his congratulations to the Kurdistan Women’s Union and to all women of Kurdistan on the occasion of the Union’s 73rd anniversary.
President Barzani stated: “The Kurdistan Women’s Union is a great school of patriotism and public awareness, with a long and distinguished history of leadership. This pioneering organization, founded on the ideals and principles of the late Barzani, has always been an active and essential partner in the national struggle, as well as a leader in civil and social activism.”
He added: “During the difficult years of the revolution, the women of Kurdistan stood as a shining example of sacrifice and devotion. Today, in a time of reconstruction and progress, they continue to play an influential and effective role in the management and development of society. The women of Kurdistan have proven that they are the cornerstone of a healthy and advanced society.”
President Barzani continued: “On this occasion, we reaffirm our full support for the efforts and activities of the Kurdistan Women’s Union aimed at securing women’s rights and strengthening their presence in leadership and decision-making positions. We firmly believe that without the active participation of women, society cannot advance toward a more prosperous future.”
The statement concluded: “We pay tribute to the pure souls of the women who gave their lives for the freedom of Kurdistan and for their rights. I wish the Kurdistan Women’s Union continued success and progress.”
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President Barzani: The Kurdistan Women’s Union Is a Significant Gain for Our National Struggle and the Kurdish Liberation Movement
ARK News.. President Masoud Barzani affirmed that the Kurdistan Women’s Union has played a remarkable and influential role in raising awareness, protecting women’s rights, and enhancing the status of Kurdish women. He expressed his appreciation for the struggle and sacrifices of the women of Kurdistan and the heavy responsibilities they have shouldered throughout the various stages of the Kurdish people’s struggle.
The statement came in a message sent by President Barzani on Thursday, 11 December 2025, marking the 73rd anniversary of the Union’s founding. “The Kurdistan Women’s Union is an important achievement for our national struggle and the Kurdish liberation movement,” he said.
Below is the full text of the message:
Message from President Barzani on the 73rd Anniversary of the Kurdistan Women’s Union
In the name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful
To the Secretary of the Kurdistan Women’s Union and the members of the Secretariat,
On the occasion of the seventy-third anniversary of the founding of the Kurdistan Women’s Union, I extend my warmest congratulations and best wishes to you, to all members of your noble organization, and to all women of Kurdistan.
The Kurdistan Women’s Union is a significant gain for our national struggle and the Kurdish liberation movement. It has played a notable and influential role in raising awareness, protecting women’s rights, and strengthening the status of Kurdish women. Through its continuous efforts, the Union has succeeded in conveying the voice of the women of Kurdistan and has become an important part of the national and civic struggle of the Kurdish people.
On this occasion, I express my deep appreciation for the struggle and sacrifices of the women of Kurdistan, and for the immense responsibilities they have undertaken throughout the stages of our people’s struggle.
I am confident that the Kurdistan Women’s Union—just as it was in earlier phases of its struggle—will continue to play its pioneering role in advancing our people’s just cause and in defending the rights and demands of women.
Wishing you continued success and prosperity,
Masoud Barzani
11 December 2025
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U.S. Congress to Vote on Lifting “Caesar Act” Sanctions on Syria as Washington Sets Strict Conditions
ARK News.. The U.S. Congress is set to vote today, Wednesday, 10 December 2025, on the final version of the addendum repealing the Caesar Act, paving the way for the legislation to be signed into law and permanently lifting U.S. sanctions on Syria before Christmas.
The draft specifies that the repeal is conditional on periodic reviews of the Syrian government’s performance. Under the provisions, U.S. President Donald Trump must submit an initial report to Congress within 90 days, followed by semiannual reports over a period of four years.
The document obliges Syria to take a series of concrete steps, including combating terrorist organizations, respecting minority rights, refraining from unilateral military action against neighboring states, combating money laundering and terrorism financing, prosecuting crimes against humanity committed under the former regime, and addressing drug production and trafficking—according to the addendum attached to the National Defense Authorization Act.
The legislation also states that sanctions could be reinstated if Damascus fails to meet these conditions in two consecutive reporting periods.
On 10 November, the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced a 180-day suspension of the sanctions imposed under the Caesar Act.
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Italian Diplomat Appointed New Deputy UN Special Envoy for Syria
ARK News.. The UN Secretary-General has appointed an Italian diplomat as the new Deputy Special Envoy for Syria, with duties set to begin at the start of next year on 1 January 2026.
According to a statement published on the UN website, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres announced on Tuesday, 9 December 2025, the appointment of Italian diplomat Claudio Cordone as the new Deputy Special Envoy for Syria. He will officially assume his post on 1 January 2026.
Cordone succeeds Najat Rochdi of Morocco, who has held the position since June 2022. The Secretary-General expressed his gratitude for her dedication, hard work, and leadership during pivotal moments in the UN’s efforts to support Syria’s political transition process.
Cordone holds a Master’s degree in Law from Sapienza University of Rome, Italy, and a Master of Arts in Arab Studies from Georgetown University in Washington. He is fluent in English in addition to his native Italian.
He brings 40 years of experience in international relations, international human rights law, and humanitarian law. He spent more than 25 years with Amnesty International in various roles, including serving as Acting Secretary-General of the organization in 2010.
Cordone also served as Director of the Human Rights, Transitional Justice, and Rule of Law Division at the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) from 2013 to 2017, and has significant experience with the International Center for Transitional Justice.
Since 2022, he has held the position of Deputy Special Representative for Political Affairs and Electoral Assistance at the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI). He previously served as Director of UNRWA in Lebanon from 2017 to 2022.
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Mohammed Ismail: Kurds Have Always Been Part of Syria’s Battle for Dignity
ARK News.. The head of the Kurdish National Council (KNC) affirmed that Kurds have always been—and continue to be—an essential part of Syria’s battle for dignity, stressing that they carry a clear national project and that the rights of the Kurdish people will remain an integral part of Syria’s future.
Marking the first anniversary of the fall of the former regime in Syria, Mohammed Ismail wrote on his Facebook page: “On the anniversary of the fall of the regime in Syria, we reaffirm that freedom is not a fleeting moment, but a long path shaped by the sacrifices of all Syrians.”
The KNC leader added: “The liberation of land is incomplete without the liberation of people. No victory has value unless it reflects positively on the dignity, rights, and future of the people.”
Ismail continued: “We, the Kurds, have been—and remain—part of Syria’s battle for dignity. We carry a clear national project, and through the Kurdish National Council and the Kurdistan Democratic Party–Syria, we strive to secure our people’s rightful place in any forthcoming political solution—one that aligns with the will of our people, ensures the stability of the region, and guarantees a dignified life for our children and future generations within a democratic Syria for all Syrians.”
He emphasized that the rights of the Kurdish people will always be part of Syria’s future, and that their national project will remain rooted in peace, justice, and human dignity.
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