Last Updated: Wednesday, 22 May 2013, 13:03 GMT

Syria's government endorses reforms to allow political parties

Publisher Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
Publication Date 25 July 2011
Cite as Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Syria's government endorses reforms to allow political parties, 25 July 2011, available at: http://www.refworld.org/docid/4e390584a.html [accessed 23 May 2013]
DisclaimerThis is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

July 25, 2011

Syrian President Bashar al-AssadSyrian President Bashar al-Assad

Syria's government has endorsed a draft law that it says will allow the formation of political parties alongside President Bashar al-Assad's ruling Ba'ath Party.

The draft bill approved by the cabinet late on July 24 is part of a series of reforms promised by Assad in his bid to end more than four months of protests against his regime.

Syria's opposition has dismissed the government's proposed reforms as largely symbolic.

The Ba'ath party has held a monopoly and control over political life in Syria for decades.

Meanwhile, unrest in the country continues. Human rights groups say that about 1,400 civilians and 350 security forces personnel have died in the four months of protest.

compiled from agency reports

Link to original story on RFE/RL website

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