Statement of Syrian Doctors in Northern America

In the light of recent events, which our country is witnessing, the need for political and social reform in Syria has become an urging matter that requires immediate action on the highest levels. While Syrians have been waiting for the promised reforms, it is saddening for us to see negative actions carried out against unarmed peaceful protesters and the continuation of unjustified arrests.

We pray for the souls of those who lost their lives in the latest events and offer our condolences to their families. We endorse the demands of Syrian people, which are instituted by the constitution of the Syrian Arab Republic. We announce the following demands:

1-We call for real lift of the Emergency Law that has been in action since 1963; and avoid issuing any similar laws that restrict the freedom of citizens.

2- We call for the immediate seize of all forms of violence against unarmed civilians and the formation of an independent committee to investigate the recent events that took place in Daraa, Latakia, Douma and other cities which had led to many civilian casualties. We stress on the government to take part in protecting peaceful protesters and not to prosecute those who participated in these demonstrations.

3- We call for all steps needed for the separation of powers. We stress on reforming the Judiciary System and insuring its autonomy and integrity; and we stress on bringing individuals involved in corruption immediately to justice.

4- We call for protecting public freedom and the release of all political detainees and prisoners who were prosecuted through military courts.

5- We stress on protecting the freedom of the press and all forms of expression; and we demand more regulation on the authority given to the security forces, in order to guarantee the protection of the civil liberties of all citizens.

6- We call for cancelling the eighth article of the constitution and lay the groundwork for political pluralism. We also stress on issuing new legislations that regulate political life.

7- We stress on taking every possible action to ensure the integrity of the parliament elections that should reflect the aspiration of the Syrian people and represent all social groups.

8- We call for solving all outstanding problems related to: the Kurds in Syria, missing prisoners, and political deportees, in order to unite Syrians of all sects.

We believe there is a great need to accomplish all necessary reforms soon to fight against administrative, social, political, and economic corruption, in order to meet the Syrian people's aspirations and accomplish their development and prosperity.



Signed by:

Syrian Doctors in Northern America