Syrian PM asserts Syria's keenness to confront challenges

Syrian Prime Minister Wael al-Halqi highlighted the importance of work to bolster the components of the national economy and secure the requirements of the comprehensive development process, in addition to improving the livelihood of the citizens. This came during al-Halqi's meeting with an Egyptian parliamentary and media delegation, Syrian official news agency SANA reported on Saturday. Al-Halqi stressed the important role of the Arab parliamentarians and the national and pan-Arab media in confronting the "hired pens" and the misleading channels and exposing the nature of the conspiracy targeting the Arab nation, particularly Syria. "The Syrian government and people today are more firm, decisive and determined to face all the challenges," Premier al-Halqi said, noting that on top of those challenges are facing the economic and media war, draining the sources of terrorism and restoring security and stability. He also briefed the Egyptian delegation on the measures and steps which the government has taken to solve the crisis in the country in the framework of the political program. Al-Halqi pointed out that the government "is open to all the initiatives seeking a solution to the crisis in a way that preserves Syria's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity and the unity of its people." "The reform program in Syria started in 2000 with great courageous steps through showing openness to all the trends in the society and amending the legislations and laws regulating the society's structure," said Premier al-Halqi.