© Associated Press
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In Syria, the salaries of civil servants and the military have been increased by 50 percent, the Associated Press reported. The agency notes that this happened against the background of a severe economic and financial crisis and the rise in prices of basic goods.
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad signed a decree raising wages yesterday, a day after the government doubled the price of bread and raised the price of diesel by 180 percent.
Syria’s economy has been hit hard by the country’s conflict a decade ago, Western sanctions, widespread corruption and, more recently, corruption. the severe economic crisis in neighboring Lebanon, notes AP. Wages in the country were last increased in November 2019.
The decree, signed by the president, raises the minimum wage to 71,515 Syrian pounds ($ 22). Civilian and military pensions increase by 40 percent.
At the official exchange rate, one dollar is exchanged for 2,500 Syrian pounds, but on the black market its value is about 3,200 Syrian pounds.
Nearly 80 percent of Syria’s population lives in poverty, and 60 percent do not have guaranteed access to food. The food situation in the country has never been worse, according to the UN. / BTA
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