DAMASCUS,(ST)_The ministerial committee tasked with implementing the endorsed political plan has debated with representatives of the national mass media proposals to enhance national dialogue and media’s role in explaining the ongoing crisis in Syria before public opinion.
Prime Minister, Dr.Wael al-Halqi, who chairs the committee, said: “reporters and intellectuals play a pivotal role in enhancing culture of dialogue in society, helping government complete constructive and democratic dialogue process and confronting extremist thinking.”
In the meeting held on Saturday, al-Halqi underscored the national media’s key role in unmasking the false campaign being backed by some Arab countries, in cooperation with the Turkish government, to foment sedition in region and the world and divert their people’s attention from what is going on in their countries.
He clarified that ruling families in the Arab countries involved in the crisis in Syria and extremist government, who are agents to the US and Israel, oppress their people and plunder their wealth.
As for development process, the premier said: “the government pays great attention to the economic and social causes reported in the national media in view of the fact that they contribute to build modern Syria, start process of reconstruction, enhance national unity and restore stability and security.”
He stressed that the government is able to confront all economic challenges caused by unjust blockage and terrorist acts that target the Syrian people’s capabilities.
“The government is adopting serious measures to combat corruption at administrative level.”
Committee held 25 meetings
The premier briefed the national media’s representatives on outcomes of 25 consultation gatherings held between the ministerial committee and the Syrian people’s components.
For their part, the reporters voiced their support for the political plan outlined by President Bashar al-Assad on January, 6th, 2013, highly appreciating the ministerial committee’s efforts in this regard.
The reporters raised several questions about national dialogue and presented proposals, SANA reported.
Government respects opposition
In a separate meeting with a delegation representing the committee formed in Tehran conference to follow up national dialogue, the PM said: “the government respects and appreciates the opposition inside Syria and abroad that is keen to share in building the country without foreign meddling.”
Talks dealt with preparations for holding dialogue meeting in Damascus by the end of this month.
The ministerial committee includes Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Ministers of Information, Justice, National Reconciliation, Transport, Industry, Red Crescent Affairs, and People’s Assembly Affairs.
Basma Qaddour