Nov 11 Pro-government

Syria: "Everyone loves President Assad"
http://diepresse.com/home/politik/aussenpolitik/707621/Syrien_Jeder-liebt-Praesident-Assad
http://backupurl.com/dkguz6
11.11.2011 | 08:21 | ANDREAS LAUX (Die Presse)

Mar Gregorios Yohanna Ibrahim, Metropolitan of the Syrian Orthodox Church in Aleppo, defended the Syrian president, even after more than 3500 dead. Majority of Christians supported President Assad, he says.

The Press: The regime in your country, Syria, killed since the outbreak of protests more than 3500 people. How do you rate as a religious leader of the massacre?

Mar Gregorios Yohanna Ibrahim: It was expected that capture the political turmoil in Tunisia, Egypt, Yemen and Libya and Syria. Is not normal, that people in Syria are trying to kill each other. That said, I think that we, Christians, Muslims, and the government are willing to achieve change for the company: more democracy, peace and free parliamentary elections. The Constitution should be changed because the current (one) is very old.


Christians are fighting on the streets?

No, we do not fight on the streets. The majority of Christians supported President Assad and the demands for democracy. In Aleppo, there have always been people who believed that the regime is not good for the citizens. You have the right to say that. We are critical on both sides of those who kill people. In Homs were soldiers, officials and citizens were killed. We do not know where are the weapons, who is behind the fighters, and they supported. The violence must stop on both sides. The big change today is that the demand for democracy comes from the population. If there is only one party cannot be representing the whole people. If only one party ruled the country as their country, then nothing can be out of democracy.

President Assad is trying to stay in power. Feel the Syrian Orthodox Church's pressure?

We could practice our religion in Syria always free and can continue. There is no pressure. As a church we spoke clearly for peace, stability and justice. We would like to have a good regime. We want to contribute to a good society.

You must report to the President, when you return to Syria?

This was formerly Sun If a religious leader returned from abroad, he had to report to the government. For about four years ago is no longer in demand. I used to have, if I wanted to talk with foreign ambassadors, the government asked. Two weeks ago I met the British ambassador, and nobody asked more of what was discussed. This is also on the Internet. The government no longer needs to ask, they can get information there. But what I say, not before the government writes. I can totally free democracy, demanding free elections and a new constitution for Syria. That is also my duty as a Syrian citizen.

Peace and democracy can be achieved under Assad?

If he is willing to lead these reforms, he is the best man for the job because he has the experience and has led the country for more than ten years. He is the president, everyone loves him. Not only the Christians, and Muslims. But that's not enough. We need a good guide for the future. Assad is one of the right people to achieve necessary change. I think sometimes is willing to see Assad that Syria should follow the right path of democracy. And democracy means that he must be open. He cannot close his eyes. He should accept the reality.


Are there any other, could govern Syria? Some opposition leaders?

Yeah, why not, Syria is open.