Statement dispels speculation Damascus is interested in talks with Jerusalem in order to lift US sanctions that shattered its economy

Bashar Assad calls restrictions imposed under Caesar Act an 'escalation' intended to 'strangle' Syria's citizens; during address leader has to pause, citing low blood sugar

Central bank raises official exchange rate from 704 to 1,256 Syrian pounds to the dollar as Caesar Act prepares to take aim at foreigners doing business with Damascus government