DAMASCUS,(ST)_ President Bashar al-Assad received today Dr. Hassan Nouri former candidate for the presidential elections.
Nouri confirmed that the presidential elections that took place last week were transparent and formed an important step in promoting democratic principles, being the first multi-candidate elections taking place in Syria for decades.
For his part, President al-Assad pointed out that the success of the electoral process and citizens intensive turnout to cast their votes revealed the Syrian people might and commitment to their free decision, despite the difficult and extraordinary conditions experienced by Syria and the attempts by certain external sides to impose their will on the Syrians.
The president also received Maher Hajjar, former candidate for the presidential elections.
Hajjar during the meeting noted the confidence entrusted by the Syrian people to President Assad through the elections confirms their determination to proceed the fight against terrorism and to achieve security and stability in Syria towards a better future.
For his part, President al-Assad stressed that the first experience of multi-candidate elections in Syria was a fine experience that highlighted the awareness and the culture of the Syrians in the practice of democracy, pointing out that the biggest winner in these elections are the Syrian people who faced all the challenges and were able through powerful determination and strong will to have their say on the future of their country.
President al-Assad expressed his thanks to. Al-Nouri and Hajjar for congratulating him on winning the elections.
T. Fateh