

The new notes are identical to the 1997 issues, but do not have the small map of Syria on the back, and the English serial numbers at lower right front are normal, not novel (increasing in size). The font of the English serial numbers matches that used on Russian notes printed by Goznak.
According to a subsequent article dated 19 June 2012, Adib Mayyaleh, governor of the Central Bank of Syria, has denied that Russia is printing new notes for Syria, and stated that worn notes are being replaced following a long-established routine.
UPDATE: According to a ProPublica report dated 26 November 2012, records of overflight requests prove that a total of 240 tons of bank notes moved from Moscow to Damascus over a 10-week period beginning 9 July and ending on 15 September.
Courtesy of Thomas Augustsson and Abdullah Beydoun.