OREANDA-NEWS. July 13, 2011. A Consultative Meeting for a National Dialogue Conference was held in Damascus on July 10-12. During the three-day meeting approximately 200 delegates from various sectors of Syrian society, including opposition representatives, discussed the task of overcoming the current political tensions and preparing constitutional amendments as well as draft new general election, political parties and media laws.

After heated debate, a final statement was adopted stressing the need for continuing contacts with Syrian political forces at home and abroad in order to organize and convene the National Dialogue Conference. It notes that only tolerant dialogue can take Syria out of the crisis; asserts rejection of violence from whatever quarter; highlights the need for the immediate release of the political prisoners not covered by previous amnesties; expresses the desire to create a democratic state based on the principle of a multiparty system and free elections; and as a national consensus, also sets forth the objective of liberating the occupied Golan Heights.

Moscow welcomes the practical commencement of a national dialogue in Syria. We believe the dialogue, which should be as broad and inclusive as possible, is an important element of the early realization of the process declared by the country’s leadership, of democratic transformation and urgent political and socio-economic reforms. Obviously, this will require that all the participants from the Government and Opposition sides show a constructive and responsible approach.

We are confident in the Syrians’ ability without violence and outside intervention to arrive at consensus-based political decisions that will ensure sustainable development of the country in the interest of all its citizens and for the sake of peace and stability in the region.