Bashar al-Assad: I have nominated qualified persons for the new government, Baath congress this year
Syria, Politics, 3/7/2000

On the eve of forming a new government in Syria, Col. Bashar al-Assad said that his country "more than any time before needs a change." He remarked that the general conference of the Baath Party will be held this year, "but the date has not fixed yet," stressing, "My ambition is to serve my country and not to be a president."

Bashar's statements were made to the London-based al-Hayat daily in which he talked about the challenges facing the first government reshuffle in 13 years. He stated, "We do need a change today more than any time before."

It was clear from his words that the change is necessary in all sectors relating to the lives of citizens like the economy, information, the educational system, technology, relations between the rural areas and the urban areas, Syria's relations with the world and bureaucracy, as well as a change in certain traditions.

The son of the Syrian president said that the first task of the new government is "to renovate administration and eliminate corruption."

Despite the fact that there is an overwhelming conviction in Damascus that Bashar has played a key role in choosing the government's members, he added that his role was limited to "recommending certain qualified people for the president and to the Baath Party leadership," saying that the traits needed in the new government are "efficiency, honesty and administrative skills. If these three elements are available we will have the government we seek."

In his statement to al-Hayat, Col. Bashar added, "Some say that we need young people in the government. They are not wrong in saying that because we eventually need new blood in the system, but this does not mean to disregard those of great expertise. However, a better administration is the key objective in the process. But the key to this key is to change what is bad in traditions and concepts which obstruct the move of the administration. We cannot separate the administrative reforms from educational, informational, cultural and social development. We have to develop all sectors simultaneously."

Bashar is very busy in dialogues, discussions and openness, including the dialogue among generations. He said this dialogue "is the best way. We want first want to know what people think of and then coordinate with the leadership, the party and the businessmen and all social strata. Undoubtedly, there will be disputes in the viewpoints, but the objective is to create opportunities for citizens." He signaled that there is "an inclination towards economic openness," but the question is the "level of such openness."

When asked on his political future and if he aspires to Syria's presidency, he answered, "I am ready to what people ask me for. I have a direct relation with the people, and I help in every domain I can. I can do so through the establishment and of course under the authority of the law."

On his future role, Bashar added this requires two matters. The first is his personal readiness, and the second is the decision of the Baath leadership and the nature of the role to be proposed to him.

He explained now he has no official position except as an army officer, and therefore any other post is in need of his "election" by the Baath Party. This report was written by President al-Assad's biographer, British journalist Patrick Seale.

Previous Stories:
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