On Riad Seif Member of the Syrian People's Assembly and his forum

Riad Seif (Member of the Syrian People's Assembly) has stressed that the ministry of Social affairs and Labor has approved to establish a forum for cultural dialogue.

In a statement to the Kuwaiti daily al-Rai al-Am, Seif expressed his optimism to get the licensing. He said that indicators show that the political leadership ( in Syria) proceeds towards legalizing the activities of the Forums and to end the embargo on their work imposed since February. He explained that among these indicators is that the approval of the ministry of social affairs and labor to accept a request of foundation applications following long years of refusing such applications.

He continued that he was not the first to apply for such a request, noting he was preceded by Jamal al-Attasi Forum. A matter which stresses that a new phase has started especially " as we heard that the ministry has licensed for a society which is concerned with environmental issues." He indicated that he and other academic colleagues for him had, three years ago, applied to get a licensing for quality control, but did not get a consent. He said he will re-apply for that, expecting to get the consent this time, noting that is in case an answer will not be received within 60 days by " approving or not approving the application," the forum will directly resumes its activities.

In a circulated statement, Seif said that the aim behind founding his society which will be in the Damascus countryside in " Ashrafeyat Sahnaya " town is to open a comprehensive dialogue among the people concerning issues of concern to citizens and the homeland in regard to social, cultural, economic and legal issues, as well as calling upon all to contribute to strengthening the unity and might of the homeland in order to liberate the occupied lands.

Seif said that he enclosed his application with information about the 14 constituent members of the society, who have higher degrees of various specialization.