Satirical paper on sale in Syria

A new publication has gone on sale in Syria -- the country's first satirical newspaper for nearly forty years.

The new weekly paper, which is called Al-Domari or Lamplighter, features cartoons and satirical items, and intends to address political, economic and cultural issues.

The move follows the relaxation of press laws by the authorities last year.

Correspondents say the tone of the paper is much freer and more critical than the government or official press.

However they say there are no cartoons of Syrian officials in the paper The proprietor, Ali Farzat -- a cartoonist -- said in a front-page editorial that he believed the best way to change things is to mock the current situation and current problems.

He's the first individual to be allowed to publish a newspaper since the ruling Baath party came to power in 1963.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service