The governor of Damascus announced the suspension of the implementation of Decree “66” in the “Basilia City” area and others, pending a review of related laws and regulations by the People’s Assembly to reach “a fair vision that safeguards citizens’ rights.”

The Damascus Governorate stated via Facebook on Monday, October 20, that Governor Maher Idlibi met with a group of al-Mezzeh residents affected by Decree “66” to discuss opinions and challenges inherited from the former regime.

Idlibi said that steps have been taken in the “Marota City” area through technical committees from the Ministry of Local Administration and the governorate, with the participation of delegates and representatives from the al-Mezzeh neighborhood. These committees, based on a petition signed by residents, aim to study and resolve outstanding issues.

He explained that a study is underway to form specialized technical committees from relevant authorities and professional associations to ensure participation of representatives from areas covered by Decree “66.” These committees will review and verify all loopholes and damages that affected citizens due to the decree’s implementation in Marota City, develop solutions and proposals, and submit recommendations to remedy injustices.

The governor added that Decree “66” was issued during the former regime’s rule by the Ministry of Housing as planning maps, approved by the Ministry of Local Administration, and later passed by the Provincial Council before being issued as a legislative decree. Therefore, the governorate is not authorized to amend or revoke it except through a new presidential decree following legal and procedural steps.

He stressed that proposals must not infringe upon others’ rights and that legitimate claims should first be restored before continuing work, adding that “it is illogical to implement Decree 66 in new areas of Syria without legal amendments. This requires new legislation to be discussed under the People’s Assembly dome.”

According to Idlibi, the laws and regulations will be reviewed again through the People’s Assembly.

Decree “66” Issues

Governor Idlibi had previously discussed problems related to Legislative Decree “66” of 2012 and its amendments, particularly concerning the “Marota City” and “Basilia City” projects.

On June 18, a meeting was held at the Damascus Governorate building between the governor and community leaders representing the al-Mezzeh neighborhood and the urban planning area.

According to the governorate’s social media posts, discussions focused on issues of property registration, alternative housing, rental compensation, and accelerating infrastructure work.

Idlibi directed the formation of technical and legal committees, in cooperation with the local community, to address pending cases fairly and restore rights.

He also announced the formation of a joint committee with the Ministry of Public Works and Housing to propose amendments to decisions No. 112 of 2015 and No. 1249 of 2018.

The governor stated that this meeting represents practical steps to address beneficiaries’ demands and expedite completion of this vital project.

He emphasized the commitment to restoring rights within legal frameworks and turning challenges into equitable development opportunities for rebuilding Syria’s future.

On April 13, the governor of Damascus visited the Decree “66” Directorate, affirming the governorate’s intention to continue the project and remove obstacles facing contractors and investors while addressing the legitimate demands of the local community, “even if at the governorate’s expense.”