Democracy and human rights today constitute a common humanitarian language, gathering and uniting peoples’ hopes in seeking a better future. And even if some countries are using our [current] predicament in order to pass along their political views, ideas and interests, interaction among nations need not result in domination and political dictation. It was allowed for our people in the past and they will be allowed in the future to be influenced by the experiences of others and at the same time add their own input, thereby developing their own distinctiveness with openness.

As Syria enters the 21st century, it is in need for all of its citizens to join forces to face the challenges posed by peace, modernization and opening up to the outside world. And for this, our people is invited to participate in the making of Syria's present and future.

From this subjective need, and in order to secure our national unity, believing that the future of our country cannot be dictated, being citizens in a republican system where everybody has the right to express themselves freely, we, the undersigned, call upon the state to implement the following demands:

• • End the state of emergency and martial law being applied in Syria since 1963;

• • Issue a public pardon to all political detainees and those who are pursued for their political ideas and allow the return of all deportees and exiled citizens;

• • Establish a rule of law that will recognize freedom of assembly, freedom of the press and freedom of expression;

• • Free public life from the laws, constraints and various forms of surveillance imposed on it, allowing citizens to express their various interests within a framework of social harmony and peaceful [economic] competition and enable all to participate in the development and prosperity of the country.

• • No reforms, whether economic, administrative or judicial, will lead to security and stability if not fully accompanied by and implemented side by side with desired political reform because it is the only means of helping our society reach a peaceful shore.