Ribal Al-Assad, Director of the ODFS, this week was welcomed at Germany’s leading Think Tank, The Center for Applied Policy Research (CAP ) by its Director, Professor Dr. Werner Weidenfeld, who is a leading political adviser to the German Government. They had a comprehensive discussion about the situation in Syria and the wider Middle East. Ribal also met with the staff at the Center.

CAP is the largest university-based institution in Germany for political advising on European and international issues. It was founded in 1995 by Prof. Dr. Werner Weidenfeld.

The Center brings together academic understanding in order to work out strategies and options for current issues in politics. The Center’s Research Groups and projects combine international and interdisciplinary analysis with concrete suggestions for political practice.

In 2007, Dr Weidenfeld was ranked as Germany’s most influential political adviser. For many years previously, he was the co-ordinator for the German Government on German / American relations.

Commenting on the meeting: Ribal said:

“I was delighted and honoured to meet Dr Weidenfeld and his staff, and have the privilege of visiting such a distinguished institution such as the CAP. We had a very constructive discussion about developing Syria’s democratic institutions and political infrastructure. I welcome Dr Weidenfeld and the German Government’s support for the legitimate demands of the Syrian people for freedom and dignity. I look forward to working with them to bring democratic reform in Syria.”