The majority turned down full Israeli citizenship in favor of retaining Syrian citizenship and identity.

In 1962, 20 percent of Syria's Kurdish population were stripped of their Syrian citizenship following a very highly controversial census raising concerns among human rights groups.

Though he holds dual Canadian and Syrian citizenship, he had not lived in Syria for 16 years.

As Israel does not recognize their Syrian citizenship, they are defined in Israeli records as "residents of the Golan Heights."

One of those building the hotel is Hussam Boubess, a multimillionaire businessman who has dual Lebanese and Syrian citizenship.

Tens of thousands of Kurds residing in Syria will soon be granted Syrian citizenship.

It has also been alleged that his Syrian citizenship has been withdrawn.

Officials involved in the investigation said the man, Maher Arar, 32, holds both Canadian and Syrian citizenship.

Mr. Bakri has joint Syrian and Lebanese citizenship.

As part of the regime's recent concessions to Kurds, he had obtained Syrian citizenship.