Currency reform in Syria: the pound will lose two zeros and lose a portrait of Assad

“The introduction of a new currency is not a formal measure, but a fundamental part of a comprehensive strategy based on a solid foundation,” the official said. He also said that banknotes of both types will be in circulation for 90 days, and this period may be extended.

According to Husriya, Syria’s economic strategy is based on five pillars: monetary stability, transparency of currency exchange, efficiency and accountability of financial institutions, computer security and balanced trade exchanges with other countries.

As Lenta.ru notes, the new banknotes were printed in Russia at the Goznak factory. They will be devoid of images and symbols. The old banknotes feature symbols of the previous regime, for example, Bashar al-Assad is depicted on the 2,000-pound banknotes, and his father and predecessor as president, Hafiz al-Assad, is depicted on the 1,000-pound banknotes.