Syrian information Minister: regional congress will conclude realistic ambitious program
Syria, Politics, 6/16/2000

Syria's Information Minister Adnan Omran said that the great loss inflicted on Syria by the demise of the late President Hafez al-Assad is not only a loss to Syria, rather to all Arabs and to all those who believe in just struggle based on the law and the international legitimacy resolutions.

During his meeting on Thursday afternoon with the Arab and foreign press who covered the tragic news of the president's death, the minister thanked the media for their efforts in covering the event and in preparing news reports from Damascus and various parts of the country.

Replying to a question on measures taken by the People's Assembly (parliament) and the regional congress to nominate Lt. Gen. Bashar al-Assad for Syria's leadership, the minister said the People's Assembly will meet on June 25 to study the decision taken by the Baath party's regional leadership to nominate Lt. Gen. Dr. Bashar al-Assad, according to the provisions of the Syrian constitution. He added that then the nomination will be proposed to a popular referendum.

Concerning the party's regional congress, the minister said it will be held in its set time on Saturday ( Tomorrow) and will discuss the political, economic and organizational report which deals with all matters of concern to the country and end in drawing a new strategy for the future.

Replying to a question on how the minister views Syria's future with Bashar al-Assad, Minister Omran said " you can make your assessment on that from the scenes depicted the popular funeral and the all-out backing voiced to Lt. Gen. Bashar al-Assad."

Answering another question on the Arab and international backing to Lt. Gen. Bashar al-Assad, the Syrian minister said that this backing is a spontaneous backing by the leaders of states, backing which meets the overwhelming support to Bashar al-Assad voiced by Syria.

On a question on if the new strategy will be a continuity to the old one, the minister said that the Baath Party regional congress will discuss all previous conditions. It will evaluate and assess positive lessons and deepen them and negatives to deal with them and thereby a new realistic and ambitious program will be ended with meeting the expectations of the Syrian people.

On developing relations with international media circles, the minister said "we have respect to the message of the media and we will work to strengthen cooperation to this effect."

On the participation of the Turkish President at President al-Assad's funeral, the minister said " we do believe in friendship and cooperation with all countries." He added the participation of heads of states at the funeral was welcomed and greatly honored, adding that Syria always welcomes good relations with its neighbors and friends.

The minister expressed hope that cooperation will continue with the Arab and foreign media on the ground of joint care and interest to highlight facts without bias.

Previous Stories:
  Baath party audition committee criticizes irresponsible behaviors of certain Baathists   (6/15/2000)
  Baath Party 9th regional congress to be convened at set time   (6/12/2000)
  President Hafez al-Assad's funeral arrangements   (6/11/2000)

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