President al-Assad- Duke and Duchess of Calabria

President Bashar al-Assad was bestowed yesterday, March 21 at the Damascus al-Shaab Presidential palace with the "Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Francesco I, the " Benemerenti " Gold medal.

The Grand Magistry of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George, which is one of the oldest internationally recognized Roman Catholic dynastic Orders of knighthood in existence bestowed President Bashar al-Assad the Orders Highest honor of the " Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Francesco I and the " Benemerenti " Gold medal of the Constantinian order.

The bestowment was made in recognition of the important and vital work which the President and the Government of the Syrian Arab republic have undertaken in relation to the promotion of greater understanding, dialogue and peaceful coexistence between the followers of all faiths in Syria.

President Bashar al-Assad is become the first Muslim Head of state to be recognized by the Order for his contribution to interreligious dialogue and understanding by a Catholic institution.

In a statement he made on this occasion, President Bashar al-Assad expressed happiness that this award is bless ed by Pope John Paul II, whose " stance we highly appreciate over the issues going through in the world." The President assessed that this occasion is important and its importance springs from a mutual understanding and values which are tightened by Muslim and Christian religions. The President added that this vision is enhanced, noting that the idea of a clash of civilizations is not correct. There is a dialogue between civilizations.

There is a conflict between those who have the civilization not human element, noting that the human element calls for understanding among civilizations. The President commented saying "I can go beyond this to say there is only one human civilization but with different cultures.."

The President continued that this culture can be enhanced for the better world. He said that Syria is a small country in term of geography and is big in terms of history and culture and this social structure is built through ages. Throughout its history. Muslims and Christians in Syria stood as one organ. He indicated the Umayyad's mosque is one of the Muslim's monument. It was the Christians who identified its site. Te tomb of John the Baptist was there and was visited by Pope John Paul II during his visit to Syria. The President added that Syria is the only country in the world that her inhabitants are speaking the Aramaic Language, the language of Jesus Christ. All other elements of brotherhood enable people to live together." The President said " This order of merit is not for me personally, but for the Syrian history, which I can stress has played this role for 1400 years and will serve it for years to come, and Syria will remain to be the bridge connecting peoples, cultures and civilizations."

However, the visiting delegation is composed of his royal Highness Prince Carlo of Bourbon Two Sicilies, Duke of Calabria. The Grand Master and the Grand Perfect and Heir apparent of the Royal House of Bourbon Two Sicilies and His excellency Mr. Anthony Baily, the Order's delegate for relations with foreign states; the Royal Highness princess Camilla of Bourbon Two Sicilies, Duchess of Calabria and Mr. Nicola Parascandolo, vice Secretary general of the Sacred Military Constantian order of St. George and the order of Francesco I.

The " Knight Grand Cross of the order of Francesco !" was established and recognized by decree on 28 September 1829 as a Royal order principally to reward civil merit on the part of government, diplomats, military officials and clerics, in addition to those who had made achievements in commerce, sciences, arts, letters and literature.

The Royal order of Fransesco ! has neven been exclusively Roman catholic in origin and its knights and dames need not profess the Roman Catholic Faith, although they are expected to participate in the humanitarian and charitable activities of the dynastic orders of the Royal House of Bourbon Two Sicilies.

His holiness Pope John Paul II is represented at the highest level within the Constantinian Order through his appointment of His eminence Mario Francesco, Cardinal Pompedda.

Perfect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Segnatura President of the court of Cassation of the Vatican City state at the Grand Prior and Ecclesiastical Counsellor of his Holiness Pope John Paul II to the Order.

The " Benemerenti " Gold Medal and its accompanying citation is a Papal Award to individuals who merit special recognition by the Holy See for exceptional accomplishment and service.

The first papal Benemerenti medal was bestowed by Pope Pius VI in 1791 as an award for military courage in defense of the Papal States.