Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Saturday issued a decree, stipulating a raise of 25 percent to the monthly salaries and wages for the civil and military workers of the state ministries, administrations, public establishments, companies of the public sector, municipalities, popular work, the permanently confiscated companies and private schools and similar public sector bodies. According to SANA, the Syrian leader also ordered a raise of 25 percent to the pensions of the retired civilians and military veterans.
The news agency quoted Syria's Finance Minister Mohammed al-Hussein as saying that more than two million people will be affected by the increases which will be effective from May. Syria's state employees earn an average monthly salary equivalent to US$175.
According to AFP, Assad's decision to raise salaries came as sources in Syria reported the price of heating oil had climbed by 340 percent per litre on Saturday. Over the past week the price of foodstuff including vegetables, meat, milk, cereals and cooking oil has grown by 30-60 percent, prompting the government to stop the import of certain cereals including lentils and bulgar wheat.
© 2008 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
