Syria Marks "Liberation" Anniversary with Diplomatic Reception

The Syrian Foreign Ministry hosted a special event for foreign diplomats in Damascus on Tuesday. The reception at the Golden Mazzeh Hotel marked one year since what the government calls its "liberation." Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani attended the event. It featured a visual presentation on Syria's renewed diplomatic efforts, according to state media. The gathering included ambassadors and representatives from missions accredited to Syria. The term "liberation" is used by the Syrian government to refer to the restoration of state control over most territory after years of conflict.