Syria to embrace constitutional changes

Members of the Dialogue Committee take part in a two-day national dialogue talks in Damascus, Syria on July 10, 2011.

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/188729.html

Participants in Syria's national dialogue have agreed to make a full revision of the country's constitution in an attempt to find a solution to the unrest that has plagued the Arab nation in recent months.

During the two-day roundtable meeting, which concluded on Monday in the Syrian capital of Damascus, the attendees discussed legislation and political reforms that would permit a multiparty system in Syria, a Press TV correspondent reported.

They also called for the formation of a legal committee to review the Clause 8 of the constitution, which states that the governing Ba'ath party is the sole leader of both the state and society.

They also decided to keep contacting other national figures to pave the way for another meeting.

Among those present were top government officials, including Vice President Farouq al-Shara, prominent members of the Syrian opposition, intellectuals and members of the parliament.

However, several opposition figures and activists shunned the talks.

One of the conference attendee, Manar Haroun, said the meeting was a step in the right direction.

"This meeting has allowed us to listen to different points of view, and we have discovered that dialogue is the only way to solve the problem in Syria," she said.

President Bashar al-Assad ordered a general amnesty in May for all political prisoners, with rights activists in Syria confirming the release of hundreds of detainees.

Syrian leader's orders for amnesties and reforms came following apparent efforts by foreign-backed armed gangs to incite unrest and terror in Syria by shooting at police as well as targeting protesters in scattered rallies around the country.

Meanwhile, hundreds of Syrians that crossed the country's northern border into Turkey to escape recent unrests, have returned to their homes.

Turkish officials say the number of Syrians taking refuge in tent cities in Turkey has significantly decreased.