Syrian Experts, Academics Stress Importance that Reform Program Target Citizens, Uproot Corruption http://www.islamidavet.com/english/2011/06/23/syrian-experts-academics-stress-importance-that-reform-program-target-citizens-uproot-corruption/

Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Economy at Damascus University Abed Fadlieh stressed the importance that the reforms’ program be citizen-oriented, and that it include whatever it takes to deepen the social dimension of the development process and provide appropriate job opportunities.Fadlieh underlined necessity of providing the favorable legislative climate and supporting small and micro-projects, especially in the countryside and the impoverished areas.Reslan Khaddour, a professor at the Faculty of Economy, considered that the reforms’ program should tackle the problems besetting the Syrian economy so as to lessen poverty and equitably redistribute income and wealth, with fair tax, fiscal and expenditure policies.

Chairman of the Arab Writers’ Union branch in Aleppo Hassan Abdul-Mohsen highlighted the reformative atmosphere which meets the citizens’ demands, and the attempts to take advantage of them in a way counter to the national interests. Medhat Said, professor at the Faculty of Medicine in Lattakia said he is optimistic that positive outcomes will emerge from the reforms’ process, as the newly-issued laws will reflect on the social level.

Adeeb Saad, a university professor in Idleb, said the reformative program requires an active engagement across the social strata, considering national dialogue to be bedrock in this program.Nouman Hammoud, ex-member of the People’s Assembly, said reforms must cover all state institutions as a prerequisite for its success, with focus put on tapping into distinguished capacities.Lawyer Abdul Karim Youssef said reforms must stem from the right-person-in-the-right-place principle, choosing qualified employees and uprooting routine and corruption.