Opposition Calls For “Moderate” Domestic Policies

The Syrian government should adopt “moderate” domestic policies by releasing political prisoners and engaging in a dialogue with the opposition, the Damascus Declaration for Democratic National Change said in an editorial published on its website on June 1.



These steps would “rescue the country”, according to the Damascus Declaration, a coalition of political parties, groups and individuals pushing for democratic reform.



The opposition group noted that the government has recently adopted a more moderate stance on foreign policy by holding indirect peace negotiations with Israel and accepting the Doha agreement that brought together Lebanon’s political factions.



It contrasted this with the position inside the country, where it said the regime’s “stubborn and hardline” policies, including the arrest of dissidents, had made Syrians desperate and frustrated.



"It seems that the regime views moderation as an enemy worthy of repression and imprisonment,” said the article.



Twelve Damascus Declaration leaders remain in jail after a major round-up six months ago.