The Syrian Ministry of Information confirms its support for freedom of publication and facilitating procedures for publishers.

The Syrian Ministry of Information has affirmed its full commitment to the principles of freedom of thought, publication, and printing, as guaranteed by the constitutional declaration, in a clarifying statement issued yesterday, Thursday, April 24, regarding the mechanisms of control and evaluation of publications.

The statement, published through the ministry's official accounts, mentioned that a book titled "Self-Censorship" was released during the previous transitional period by the Publishers Union without reference to any legal or administrative authority, causing an organizational gap between the ministry and publishing houses, leading to the disruption of the sector's activities and the accumulation of files.

The ministry pointed out that border crossings require its prior approval for the import and export of publications, based on Article (2) of Law No. (5) of 2023, and Article (5) of the constitutional declaration issued on 8 Ramadan 1446 AH, corresponding to March 3, 2025, which stipulates the continuation of current laws unless amended or repealed.

In the context of expediting the processing of files related to participation in international exhibitions, Minister of Information Hamza Mustafa directed the approval of all titles submitted by publishers to the Media Evaluation Directorate during the past two weeks, to enable them to actively participate in global cultural events.

The statement emphasized the ministry's efforts to develop its administrative systems according to flexible standards, keeping pace with modern trends and breaking away from the strict control measures inherited from the previous regime, enhancing the role of publishing and achieving its cultural and developmental objectives.

The ministry also announced the reinstatement of the "Florence" agreement exempting books from customs duties, based on its belief in the importance of disseminating knowledge and providing books at affordable prices for everyone.

It invited publishers to communicate directly to overcome any obstacles they may face, confirming its keenness to resolve any issues related to practicing the profession.