Syrian president thanks the citizens for his nomination
Syria, Politics, 2/15/1999

President Hafez al-Assad on Saturday gave a speech on Syrian television on the occasion of his nomination for a fifth constitutional term of office. The following is the full text of his speech:

"Brothers and sons; My dearest sons of our great people:

"After you voted in the popular referendum in which you widely participated and after announcing the results, I am so glad to extend my great salutation, appreciation and regard to you. It is a trust of great value which I highly evaluate. It is a mutual trust between you and me. It was and will remain so. From the very beginning of Correction ( When al-Assad assumed power in Syria in 1970). I confirmed my deep understanding of its implication, where we, together, worked on consolidating it.

"Over the days of the referendum, Syria, in all its provinces, lived days of great joy, where the homeland's brave sons competed to show their enthusiasm for the promised day in order to express their resolve on making the occasion of the referendum a festival of national unity and popular wedding. Ranks united, hands intertwined, squares and streets, in every part of the cities, towns and villages, were crowded with massive crowds and gatherings. They were chanting slogans amid a forest of pictures, decorations and placards which express loyalty and solid national unity. Celebrations and symposiums were numerous with the participation of parties, popular organizations, unions' representatives, intellectuals and men of religion along with all other people's sectors, reaffirming to keep on the course we have chosen for ourselves and continue the march of building, construction and liberation.

"Since the dawn of the Correction, we have drawn the road which we chose to achieve our noble aims and perfect goals. We pledged to go together on this road and we fulfilled the promise. Our process has continued successfully and triumphantly, rich with every positive thing and full with achievements of which we are proud. About three decades have elapsed since our process began. We carried out many works and projects which changed the face of Syria's life and made it more beautiful. The word 'yes,' which was raised high in the referendum is a support for the policy which realized these achievements and enthusiasm to follow it with more serious efforts and creative work. The ballot papers which filled the boxes of the referendum and the word 'yes' which was repeated by millions during the last days before emphasizing it in the ballot papers affirmed that our home is fortified with its great people and its solid national unity and because it is the home of pride and dignity whose sons sacrifice their souls for its sake and exert utmost effort to defend it and support its structures everywhere. My belief in the people is after God and my reliance on God first and on people. The people are the inspiration of our decisions and stands. And from the people I derive my power in shouldering responsibility, facing difficulties and challenges. The people are always the focus of my interest. I exert utmost effort and continue work day and night for the happiness of the people and dignity of the home and defense of its lands and rights. The words could not express all the feelings of pride and thanks which the joyful activities of our people during the past days have invested on me -- those activities which could not be seen in any other part of the whole world. If I could shake hands with you one by one to express my love, my pride of you and my determination to work with all my capacity to achieve your hopes, I would not hesitate one single moment. I look for the impossible because I can not shake hands with millions, but I like to replace this by sincere word which comes deeply from the heart to say that you are always my interest and care to work all together to the advancement of our beloved country and to provide it with the means of prosperity. You have proved through the prime of festivals that we have lived during the recent days that our homeland is an immune homeland and that our people are great capable of confronting the challenges and overcoming them, relying on this firm national unity which was manifested in its brightest forms through the massive marches, and the festivities, as well as through the emotional participation and cohesion which reflected the overwhelming turnout by citizens at the plebiscite. In conclusion, I call upon God, to who belongs might and majesty, to endow me with his support and to help me succeed through my strenuous efforts to serve homeland and people in defense of the causes of the nation."

Previous Stories:
  Syria's referendum ends with confirmation for al-Assad   (2/11/1999)
  Syria announces mourning on King Hussein's death, postpones referendum   (2/8/1999)
  Bashar al-Assad asserts readiness to take any responsibility given to him   (2/5/1999)
  Cook describes Syrian-British relations as good   (2/2/1999)

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