DAMASCUS,  (SANA)

Regarding the reform program al-Assad underlined commitment to the reform program on all levels, pointing out to the final touches which are being put on the 10th five-year plan which he described as an ambitious plan for economic, financial, monetary and administrative reform which  aims at developing services and improving the living conditions of the citizens.

On the political level, the President added that a number of projects are being drawn to support popular participation and contribute to enrich democratic life through what is connected with parties and elections, and local administration laws.

He indicated that work is being done to consolidate the institutional work, the supremacy of law , and independency of the judicial authority.

The President said: “ Reform begins where internal need arises and we categorically reject any reform that is imposed from abroad,” He added: “ I have always said that we are in the beginning of a long road and we do not accept to hear that we have accomplished nothing so far… There might be a slow pace…at the heart of the battle things become slower but we will hurry as far as we can.”