Syrian vice president: Each country's democracy is different
Syria, Politics, 12/1/1998

The 6.6 million people of voting age in Syria on Monday went to election centers all over the country's provinces. People's Assembly election operations proceeded until 8:00, on their first day. On Tuesday as of 7: 00 a. m the election process will continue until 2:00 p.m.

Syrian Vice President Abdul Halim Khaddam cast his vote for the elections of the PA's 7th session at the United Arab Trade Company known as "al-Khumaseyah." He then said in a statement to reporters at the election center, "Taking part in the elections is a national duty, because it is an occasion when the citizen asserts his democratic rights."

Khaddam added that the "People's Assembly is the first democratic institution in Syria which does not only run the legislation, but also the responsibility of monitoring the performance of the government's institutions."

On the responsibilities of the PA in the forthcoming legislative session and the proposals on the "market economy," Khaddam said: "The PA enjoys legislative authority as it is stated in the constitution." He added that the PA has instituted laws in compliance with the state's public policy.

On the "market economy" the Syrian Vice- President said this matter is discussed within the light of the interests of the country and its main economic forces, namely "the working class, the farm workers and all the people who strive for a better country."

Answering a question on the role of the PA in the forthcoming phase to increase democracy. Khaddam said: "Democracy is not an idea we import from here or there. It is connected to the economic, social, political and cultural conditions in each country. Therefore there is no uniform type of democracy in different countries throughout the world."

Khaddam elaborated that the democracy pursued in France is not like that of Italy, so, "Every country in light of its conditions, its social, political and cultural developments, means the dimensions of its democratic structures are different."

Previous Stories:
  Incidents happened during election campaigns of the Syrian elections   (11/30/1998)
  Syrians to elect Assembly members today   (11/30/1998)
  Syria denies secret report of meetings with Israel   (11/30/1998)

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