DAMASCUS - A number of academics, jurists, politicians and various social figures said that the presidential decision on forming a committee to prepare a new constitution for the country comes in response to the Syrians' aspirations and hopes, constituting a starting point for transitioning into a modern, democratic country serving as a role model in the region.
In a statement to SANA, Dean of Damascus University's Law School Dr. Mohammad Wassel said that the decision to form the committee is part of the reforms announced by President Bashar al-Assad and meets the requirements of comprehensive change since the constitution forms the basis for the ruling system and the country's policies and principles, in addition to guaranteeing basic rights and liberties.
Wassel stressed the need for the constitution to guarantee freedom and rights on the bases of equal opportunities and the rule of law.
In a similar statement, head of the National Initiative of Syrian Kurds Omar Osi said that formulating a new constitution is the most important if the reform steps and decrees, saying that it should have a positive impact on economy.
For his part, Syrian Human Rights Network (SHRN) spokesman Ahmad al-Khazem said that the SHRN views the forming of the committee as a positive and constructive step the optimal expression of popular democracy.
In turn, lawyer Fayssal Surour said that the decision marks the beginning of a new stage, with the new constitution helping to bolster the development of citizens' rights to good life and self-expression.
In Aleppo, lawyer Radi al-Mahmid said that the decision has a positive effect on improving political, legal and social life and will serve to bolster national unity.
For his part, lawyer Mustafa Khawatmi said that the decision reflects the serious intent in reform and the activation of political movement in a manner that suits economic, social and political developments.
Political researcher Maan al-Hasan stressed the importance of modifying the general social behavior along with the constitution followed by a stage of evaluation, which will set the scene for honest elections that meet society's demands.
In Hama, lawyer Mohammad al-Abbas stressed that any amendment of the constitution must preserve Syrian's national and pan-Arab standards and directives which taking into account the current state of the Arab nation and Syria.
In turn, lawyer Ahmad al-Abed said that the goal of the draft constitution is to partake in comprehensive reforms and make radical and deliberate changes, stressing that the constitution must be relatively stable and not be subject to constant amendments.
In Lattakia, Rector of Tishreen University Dr. Mohammad Yehea Mualla said that the decision will allow all social groups to play their part in building Syria while preserving national standards and the achievements made so far.
For his part, professor of international law and relations Dr. Salim Karhali said that establishing the committee is an important transitional step towards reforms, especially since the current constitution needs to be updated to keep up with the development of society.
Lawyer Hassan Hasan said that the formation of the committee is an essentials step in the change process taking place in Syria, while teacher Maymana Kamal said that society needs for laws to be updated and modernized and that the new constitution's articles should serve all citizens and guarantee equal rights and duties to all citizens.
In Sweida, chairman of Shahba City Council, lawyer Imad al-Tawil, said that the decision crowns the other reforms steps taken so far and marks a true and serious change and the birth of modern Syria. He also hoped that the committee will take into account economic, social and cultural developments and the unique characteristics of Syria's society.
In turn, Dean of the Literature and Humanities Faculty in Sweida Dr. Mansour Hudaifa said that the decision reflects the leadership's awareness and commitment to making progress in improving citizens' life quality as the constitution is a mirror reflecting the quality of life in a country. He added that civility is measured by the people's commitment to their constitution.
For his part, lawyer Dureid Dannoun called on the committee members to put the welfare of the country and citizens first and formulate a modern constitution that meets the Syrians' aspirations and keeps up with developments witnessed in past decades.
Finally, secretary of Sweida City Council Khaled Kerbaj said that the decision to form a committee of experienced individuals to prepare a draft constitution is an important step that keeps up with contemporary developments and meets the requirements of reform and the people's aspirations of advancement and prosperity.
© SANA (Syria Arab News Agency) 2011
