1st Secular Conference in Syria Calls for Adherence to National Unity

(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - The participants at the 1st Secular Conference in Syria, which was held at Ibrahim Monastery in Jaramana, stressed adherence to national unity and security and stability in Syria.They also underlined their firm stance against divisions promoted by some powers who exploit religion in service of foreign agendas, stressing their rejection of the outcomes of the meeting of Syrian opposition figures held in Istanbul.The conferees made clear that secularism does not treat religion as an enemy, but ensures freedom of worship, adding that the secular state embraces all religions and ideas.They underlined, in their speeches, the importance of preserving the country, voicing support to the comprehensive reform program.In their final statement, the participants called for establishing a higher council for human rights, reinforcing respect for fundamental freedoms and enabling citizens to participate effectively in building society.The statement also emphasized national and pan-Arab principles, rejection of foreign interference in the name of human rights and condemnation of any conference that seeks to inflame sedition and instigate hatred.The participants called for fostering tolerance and discarding violence and radical thought, considering change a pressing national need which expresses the aspirations and interests of people.The conference was organized by the Syrian Human Rights Network and the Secular Liberal Gathering. Religious, secular, rights and independent figures from across the social spectrum took part in the conference./129