Syrian writers call for reform

Bashar al-Assad's new era promises more openness

By Nick Pelham in Damascus

Syrian writers and artists have released a statement calling on the country's authorities to implement a programme of political reform.

In a petition, released in Beirut, 99 intellectuals called for an end to martial law, the formation of independent political parties and the release of 1,500 political prisoners.

So far the authorities seem undecided on how to respond. The petition has not been reported in the official press and the Arabic newspaper, Al Hayat, which aired the statement, has been banned from the country.

Political dissent in Syria was silenced under the rule of Hafez al-Assad, but the succession of his young son, Bashar al-Assad, has given rise to a new mood of forthright criticism.

Free speech

Three months after the death of Syria's military ruler, Hafez al-Assad, Syrians are talking with a freedom unknown for a generation.

Youth like Omar Ghraowi and Nora Sanadiki have hope

Once acquiescent, members of parliament are hosting open meetings of dissidents.

On Wednesday over 100 intellectuals gathered again at the home of parliamentarian Riad Asaef to press for a licence for their newly formed association, the Friends of Civil Society.

Syria is entering uncharted waters and the debate, while peaceful, shows no sign of abating.

In his inauguration address, the 34-year old President called for the voicing of what he termed the other opinion. Two months on, many Syrians have shown that they are more than ready to respond.