Two important developments in Syria, paper says

The London- based al-Hayat daily said in its Saturday's issue that Syria has during the few recent weeks witnessed two important developments of deep indication and would have great impact in the future of the country for the long run.

The first was the retirement of Maj. Gen. Ali Aslan and appointing Maj. Gen. Hassan al-Turkmani as his successor and the second is a decision enacted by the prime minister that prevents extending service to state employee at the age of retirement.

In its commentary the paper added that the importance of that lies in its implementation in the military establishment in that it came for "extension of service" used to be valid for workers in the military establishment.

The paper indicated that what gave this principle an extra importance is the transfer of the post to the second person in every establishment and in a hierarchy way, considering this move as complying with the reform policy pursued by President Bashar al-Assad.

The paper added that the decision of the Syrian Cabinet "not to extend service at the age of retirement" will result in the retirement of 70% of the directors general of establishments and deputies of ministers as from April and this by its turn will result in a great move in the state's establishments.