More political parties to be formed in Syria
Syria, Politics, 1/30/2001

Member of the Syrian parliament Riad Seif said on Monday that the Syrian government is intending to permit the establishing of more political parties, and therefore putting an end to restrictions which have been valid for almost 40 years.

In statements to the press on Monday, Seif explained that he will form a party immediately after the release of a law that permits the establishment of parties outside the framework of the National Progressive Front ( which is the ruling coalition under the leadership of the Baath Party).

He added: " we were promised since several months that a law for parties will be issued in the near future and this might be released in the near future and we might be surprised that it has been issued now. Vice ­ President Abdul Halim Khaddam promised us that this law will be issued and we are looking forward to that."

Seif added that he intends to form a party under the name of " social peace" ( al-Salaam al-Ijtima') concentrating on the Syrian identity rather than the Arab identity, noting that his party will not completely ignore the Arab world and will keep on committing to the general Arab interests, and on top of which are the Arab- Israeli causes.

He added the awaiting for law permits the formation of several parties that adopt various ideologies, adding that the law will be comprehensive and will include all colors of the political society so as the parties so as the parties will take their natural role.

Later this week, Seif is intending to debate for discussions a document of principles for his proposed party through a forum which he calls " the national dialogue forum." This forum includes a group of intellectuals who meet in his house weekly to discuss social issues.

News reports indicated that the documents which was formulated by Seif constitutes a violation to the Arab unity line set by the Baath party and to concentrate instead on the Syrian identity and to give a greater role to the youths.

Previous Stories:
  Seif and the new party in Syria   (1/27/2001)
  Riad Seif announced the establishment of the social peace movement   (1/25/2001)
  Industry in the Arab world   (5/1/1998)

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