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Syrian Democratic Coalition Tour in Europe Pronounced a Success

Washington DC, September 20, 2004 /RPS News/ -- The leaders of the Syrian Democratic Coalition Mr. Jean Antar, Dr. Hussein Saado, and Mr. Farid Ghadry wrapped up a tour of France and the U.K. on a tour to discuss Syria in the aftermath of Resolution 1559.

The first event was sponsored by the well regarded Jean-Jacques Rousseau Institute (JJRI) and took place at the French Parliament (Assemblée Nationale). The symposium on Syria featured all three speakers moderated by Mr. Michel Garfunkels of JJRI. The Q&A session centered on French politics vis-à-vis Syria and what it means to have democracy in Syria. Al-Hurra TV and other French journalists were present to cover the event.

SDC then traveled to Strasbourg where a high level meeting took place between SDC members and a senior official of the EU Parliament that culminated in an open dialogue about the situation in Syria and the importance of helping Syria's human rights activists in their quest for equality and justice. SDC lobbied hard against signing the Association Agreement with Syria. SDC members also met with various other EU parliamentarians eager to help see a democratic Syria.

In the U.K., Mr. Farid Ghadry, president of the Syrian Democratic Coalition met with a senior official at the Foreign Office. Ideas were exchanged on how best to help Syria and Syrians embrace democracy. The Foreign Office expressed its views regarding the importance of "Constructive Engagement" and SDC expressed its own views, mainly regarding the assistance that the Foreign Office can lend to civic organizations that would usher a better future for all Syrians. The Foreign office was particularly interested in Radio Free Syria.

SDC and RPS remain in contact with the French parliament, the EU parliament, and the UK Foreign Office to advance the cause of freedom in Syria in particular and the Middle East in general.