Syria protests - The African Union (AU) has urged the Syrian government to yield to public demands for democracy for the sake of peace and stability in the country and the entire Middle East. The AU Commission Chairman Jean Ping, appeared non-relenting in his call to the Syrian rulers to respect the wishes of the people during discussions in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital, with a visiting delegation of Syrian officials, led by a deputy foreign minister, Fayssal Mikdad. Mikdad had called for African solidarity with the Arab state, which has been blamed for its violent crackdown against protests to the rule of President Bashar al-Assad. However, Ping stressed the need for the reforms Syria has started implementing in response to its people's desire, and noted that this is the only way to preserve Syria's stability and its role in the Middle East region.

Mikdad briefed the AU on the recent steps taken towards reform in the Arab state, noting that the ‘package of reforms’ was satisfactory to the masses.

The minister described as “misleading”, reports of widespread dissatisfaction with the rule of President al-Assad, saying they were meant to ‘tarnish’ the name of Syria.

The official insisted on the importance of Syria building close relations between the Arab and the African peoples on all fronts, including social and economic fields.

Syria enjoys an observer status at the AU, which means its diplomats can attend only non-sensitive discussions at the AU but enjoys mostly ceremonial roles.

Ping supported Mikdad’s view that the two regions needed closer working relations.

The two officials agreed to continue mutual consultations on issues of concern to both sides.

The Syrian official’s visit to the AU comes notably in the wake of strict deadlines given to the Syrian regime to stop attacks against protestors demanding change.

The Arab League gave the Syrian government an ultimatum to stop its violent crackdown against protestors.

Pana 23/10/2011