- Title: SYRIA: Thousands of Syrians take part in festive pro-Assad rally in Damascus
- Date: 25th May 2007
- Summary: (BN10) DAMASCUS, SYRIA (24 MAY 2007) (REUTERS) A SQUARE IN DAMASCUS VARIOUS OF DEMONSTRATORS GROUP OF MEN CHEERING FOR SYRIAN PRESIDENT, BASHAR AL-ASSAD VARIOUS OF DEMONSTRATION HOT-AIR BALLOON A BRASS BAND PLAYING VARIOUS OF DEMONSTRATION TRADITIONAL DANCE TROUPE WOMAN CHEERING
- Embargoed: 9th June 2007 13:00
- Keywords:
- Topics: Domestic Politics,Lifestyle
- Reuters ID: LVADT609Q6QOGUN2EION3F71ZHFB
- Story Text: Tens of Thousands of Syrians demonstrated in Damascus on Thursday (24 May 2007) in support of the nomination of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad for a second presidential term.
In a rally organised by the ruling Baath party, dancing and chanting demonstrators paraded through streets festooned with flags, banners and huge portraits of the 42-year-old leader.
The Syrian parliament was elected last month and set May 27 as the date for an uncontested referendum to confirm him as president for another seven years.
Assad won 97.29 percent in a referendum when he succeeded his father, Hafez al-Assad, in 2000.
He is expected to garner similar support this time.
Assad has made it clear that his priority is to enable Syria to withstand increasing pressure from the United States. Washington imposed sanctions on Syria in 2004, mainly for its support for the Lebanese Shi'ite movement Hezbollah and the Palestinian group Hamas.
Assad will begin a new seven-year term on July 17. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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