18:10

Russian MFA Spokesman Alexander Lukashevich’s Comment Regarding the Speech of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad

907-21-06-2011

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad addressed on June 20 a speech to the nation, in which he confirmed that the policy for deep political and economic reforms, including the possibility of adopting a new Constitution and the appropriate legislation and holding parliamentary elections, is unchanged. He suggested as a mechanism for agreeing major, including temporary, parameters of the transformation process, a broad-based dialogue with representatives from all segments of the population. Evaluating the difficult situation in Syria, the President drew a clear line between the legitimate demands being made by citizens to the state and the criminal actions of extremists and felonry that undermine stability. President al-Assad expressed his confidence that the Syrians will be able to solve the problems of their country themselves and come out of this ordeal with flying colors.

Moscow regards President al-Assad's speech as an important constructive step aimed at developing, through a broad-based national discourse, the principles for a renovated democracy in Syria. We believe that this approach, providing joint participation by the people and government in shaping the future of the country, is capable of securing an exit from the crisis, a return to normalcy and the ongoing development of Syria.

It is important that the appeal of the leadership of Syria be heard and supported by all who are really interested in its well-being and prosperity.

June 21, 2011