Bashar Al_Assad - Excerpts from Mrs. Al-Assad Statements
'The President is the President of Syria, not a faction of Syrians, and the First Lady supports him in that role,' said Mrs. Al-Assad in an e-mail according to the Times, February 7, 2012. 'These days she- H.E. Mrs. Asma Al-Assad, is equally involved in bridging gaps and encouraging dialogue. She listens to and comforts the families of the victims of the violence.'
From Mrs. Al-Assad address to the 6th Arab World Conference of Harvard Arab Alumni Association (HAAA), March 17, 2011.
''Our identity must become that of a ''learning region''; constantly building our will and capability to do things better, opening ourselves to new perspectives, learning and adopting new skills, and above all, relying on ourselves. This is not to shut out the rest of the world but rather to offer it something new. An Arab world able to develop for itself will also be able to provide so much more for mankind.''
"Syria's wisest investment is in growing that new identity of responsible citizenship in its young people through initiatives like Massar. It empowers them to make their own contribution to shaping the future of our country.''
''Our diversity is a positive advantage for us. It can enable us, as it has through history, to endow the world with fresh perspectives, ideas and innovation'.
''When we fully embed the mindset of developing skills, products and systems for ourselves that we can genuinely shape our own future.'
Excerpts from Her Excellency Mrs. Asma Al-Assad's Vogue Interview, February, 2011
“I like things I can touch. I like to get out and meet people and do things,”
“Let me try to explain it to you. That church is a part of my heritage because it’s a Syrian church. The Umayyad Mosque is the third-most-important holy Muslim site, but within the mosque is the tomb of Saint John the Baptist. We all kneel in the mosque in front of the tomb of Saint John the Baptist. That’s how religions live together in Syria—a way that I have never seen anywhere else in the world. We live side by side, and have historically. All the religions and cultures that have passed through these lands—the Armenians, Islam, Christianity, the Umayyads, the Ottomans—make up who I am.”
“Before I had any official engagement, I went to 300 villages, every governorate, hospitals, farms, schools, factories, you name it—I saw everything to find out where I could be effective. A lot of the time I was somebody’s ‘assistant’ carrying the bag, doing this and that, taking notes. Nobody asked me if I was the first lady; they had no idea.”
Excerpts from Her Excellency Mrs. Asma Al-Assad's Paris Match Interview, December 17, 2010
''Indeed, we believe that the only solution is peace. But for a tango, you need to be two. And, today, we do not have a partner for peace.''
Excerpts from Her Excellency Mrs. Asma Al-Assad's Statements in France, December 10, 2010
"This civilized and architectural history was accompanied by an accumulation of customs and beliefs and the values of openness that the Syrian people are known for all."
Excerpts from Her Excellency Mrs. Asma Al-Assad's Statements in France, December 10, 2010
''The Syrian civilized heritage doesn't belong only to the fathers and grandfathers, but also belongs to the children and grandchildren if it is properly invested culturally and developmentally to benefit the future generations of our people.''
Excerpts from Her Excellency Mrs. Asma Al-Assad's Statements to the Russian Gazeta, December 19, 2009.
''The Syrian People are capable of doing every thing; and the Syrian Youth are necessarily to master Advanced Technology,''
''Religions coexistence in Syria guarantees Equity between Man and Woman. The Syrian Society, like other oriental societies, has many merits; westerns , however, turn blind eyes to the Oriental Society merits!''
Excerpts from Mrs. Al-Assad Statements to the Turkish Press , 2005
“The Syrian woman has achieved success in the field of business and finance. There are many physicians, teachers who work for private as well as public establishments. In addition, the Syrian Woman has occupied high positions in the Judiciary System. Thus, the Syrian Woman has proved her success and presence in all fields; this very woman is able to play successfully the role of a mother, wife, worker. This situation, of course, has persisted in Syria for along time; the changes witnessed recently in our laws are the guarantee keep this continued persistence during the coming years.”
“ There are still many problems and causes facing the woman in all of the world; many are still the rights that we ought to have. As to accomplish this objective , we need for more women occupying decision-making positions as to guarantee a continued distinguished, active role in the realization of women ambitions worldwide.”
Excerpts from Mrs. Al-Assad Statements to the Russian Press , 2005
“ The problem lies in the prevailing idea regarding woman where some consider the women of the Orient as oppressed, uneducated, as not active members of the society. However, whoever visits our region is convinced directly that such idea is false. The woman in Syria takes part in every field of life; for example we have women parliamentarians , ministers, physicians, writers, artists, judges etc. The Syrian woman is active in every field, like in many other countries of our region and the rest of the world. The number of participating women in practical life is on the increase in taking important decisions at the highest levels. Most importantly is to have an active efficient women role, where they contribute to change the living reality where they live. The women of our region are so doing , and we have to realize the appropriate reputation for them in the rest of the world.”
“The Syrian people and government do accord big interest to the growing generations; once one becomes a father, he becomes more practical and realistic; once became a mother, I discovered through my children themselves, a source very rich of knowledge and information for myself. I make use of this source once work on issues related to Child National Affairs. The role of our children should never be underestimated : they are great teachers, and we have to listen to and learn from them. This, in turn, makes us better parents and guaranteeing a continued frank dialogue among all of us.”
Excerpts from Mrs. Al-Assad Sky News Interview , 2005
“President Bashar Al-Assad wants to ensure there is prosperity for all the Syrian people, I know the man behind the presidency, I know the husband that he is to me and more importantly, I know he is a man who cares and wants to push Syria forward and ensure there is prosperity for all people,"
“Syria is in progress, you could see this in the streets, during your movements in markets, visit to the restaurants, discourse exchange. A progress has been achieved; most importantly is to follow up this progress, to be capable to depend on the growth, which we have achieved during the last five years, ”
“ I hope to see one day a world where both women and men occupy an equal position in the field of business, establishments, and politics. Then, and only then, I think, our world is be more human.”
Excerpts from Mrs. Al-Assad "Woman in Business International Forum 2005.” May 22 Opening
“This year's forum coincides with an especially important chapter in Syria's modern history.
''We stand at a crossroads on our own development path, as Syria faces the complex but not insurmountable challenge of creating a sustainable and prosperous future for all its citizens. As I want to show you, the active participation of women in this process is imperative, which is why the timing of this forum is so significant. I believe the strengths and talents of women can and must be released everywhere, but particularly in the Syria own developing economy. Actually, the Syrian values and our rich heritage figured in many aspects of my life whilst a British education trained me in analytical thinking, creativity and teamwork.”
“I chose investment banking as a career. And as I climbed the corporate ladder, I learned the rigors of professionalism and of working to the highest international standards and practices in global finance and investment. Syria has a proud history of commerce and manufacturing, built on its position at the center of trading routes, and on the enterprise and energy of its people. Today, this nation is building again on that heritage. Syria is shaping its business environment for today’s global economy. This means major change at a sustainable pace, introducing the reforms necessary for a dynamic and prosperous enterprise economy. The financial sector is now embracing new and important freedoms. And the investment climate continues to improve as more liberalization is introduced. Further changes to our legislation will cover education, the labor laws and civil society.”