SYRIA: Television cameras allowed to film in the capital Damascus for the first time since pro-democracy protests erupted six weeks ago

Record ID: 279182

  • Title: SYRIA: Television cameras allowed to film in the capital Damascus for the first time since pro-democracy protests erupted six weeks ago
  • Date: 1st May 2011
  • Summary: ENTRANCE OF ASAAD BASHAR KHAN SIGN OF THE KHAN VARIOUS OF AN EXHIBITION IN THE KHAN
  • Embargoed: 16th May 2011 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Syrian Arab Republic
  • Country: Syria
  • Topics: Domestic Politics
  • Reuters ID: LVA3G1W9BEJBBUNMH99VUGOEL3V2
  • Story Text: Despite a drop in demand at Syrian markets recently, the historic market of Hamidieh in old Damascus was still crowded with people and shoppers on Saturday (April 30).
    Traders said pro-democracy protests that have spread across the country of 20 million have hit them in some way but there is still demand for products, although it has decreased by around a quarter.
    "Syrian people do not get afraid. The situation affected the demand (in his store) between 25 to 30 percent. The country is stable. It accepts the little demand as well as the big one. What we love about it (Syria) is the security. Because of this cloud (the situation) some security was lost. But not all the security is gone, just some of it. This cloud will go away," said Abdo Darwish, the owner of a store in Damascus..
    The Syrian Ministry of Information organized, for the first time since the troubles started in the country, a day for news agencies and television cameras to film in the capital on Saturday.
    Tens of shoppers cheered their support for President Bashar al-Assad when they saw the cameras in the covered market.
    Ghassan Mansour, a shopper, said everything was normal: "There are some mercenaries, which will end. There is nothing. The situation is good. Everything is okay and the market is open. We are working and may god protect the doctor (President Assad). I walk with my wife here and nobody asks for my identity. Imagine!! It's normal."
    Foreign news reports of have not deterred some tourists from visiting Syria and enjoying the historic cities.
    John, a tourist from Australia who arrived in Syria two days ago, told Reuters he noticed many contradictions about Syria. So he chose to visit the country to see the situation for himself.
    "I've heard a lot about Syria. I think there is a lot of contradictions in the West. Syria is saying one particular way and I've come myself to see the wonderful Syrian people. It a beautiful country and the people are very welcoming," he said.
    Pro-democracy protests in Syria started six weeks ago with people across the country demanding more freedom and an end to corruption.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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