Al-Assad: Reforms stems from Syrians' conviction

President Bashar al-Assad met on Wednesday the members of al-Baath Arab Socialist Party Central Committee and a number of party cadres in the provinces, and representatives of public organizations. The meeting dealt with the latest steps and decisions to build a modern and strong Syria which safeguards its national and pan-Arab principles and independent decision. The talks also tackled means of activating the role of public organizations and party cadres to put these steps and decisions in place. President al-Assad said that activating the role of public organizations can be achieved through assuming responsibilities by everyone, and resuming dialogue with all social spectrums on the adopted laws and implementing them. Stress was put on engaging the different social spectrums in the proposals made by President al-Assad in his speech on June 20 on the constitution to fulfill the aspirations of the Syrian people in making Syria an example to follow in the region, which cannot be achieved without restoring security and stability and eradicating all forms of armed attacks. President al-Assad indicated that reform in Syria stems from the conviction of the Syrians and not a response to foreign pressure, affirming that Syria will remain firm and resistant, and will not relinquish its dignity and sovereignty. President al-Assad said that targeting Syria resembles what happened in 2003 and 2005 in an attempt to weaken its role in defending legitimate rights and embracing resistance, stressing that the Syrian people were able to preserve Syria's position and so will remain in spite of foreign pressure.