Syrian Arab News Agency S A N A
Damascus, SANA – Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Ali Ghanem has said that the losses inflicted upon oil sector were estimated at more than USD 65 billion, adding that the Syrian state is doing its best to meet its supply needs and preserve its steadfastness.
Minister Ghanem made his remarks at the annual meeting of Oil Workers Unions held at Sahara Tourist Complex in coincidence with the 79th anniversary of establishing the General Federation of Trade Unions.
He noted that nowadays and under the siege imposed on Syria it is not easy to provide oil derivatives taking into consideration the huge financial burden it places on the state, stressing that the government will go ahead with its self-reliance policy to fulfill its needs and continue exploration efforts to drill new oil and gas wells and prepare them for production.
Ghanem said that the workers at Hayyan Gas Company factory and Homs and Baniyas oil refineries succeeded in repairing the damage caused to these sectors due to the repeated terrorist attacks.
Regarding the gas sector, the minister pointed out that rehabilitation works of Adra gas factory have been accomplished, adding that there is a project to expand Baniyas Gas factory.
Member of the Regional Leadership of al-Baath Arab Socialist Party, Mohammed Shaaban Azzouz, underlined the importance of upgrading performance and meeting the fair demands of workers who promised to fulfill their duties and defend their homeland.
Social Affairs Minister Rima Qadiri noted that the ministry is studying new legislations to maintain the steadfastness of the Syrian workers and protect their rights since they are the key to the rebuilding of the country.
Secretary General of the International Confederation of Arab Trade Unions (ICATU) Ghassan Ghosn indicated to the efforts exerted to combat unemployment, achieve social justice and build a better society.
The participants called for providing raw oil materials and necessary spare parts for critical equipment to continue the wheel of production in refineries.
R.Raslan / Ghossoun
