Ribal Al-Assad, Director of the ODFS, met with Dr. Werner Weidenfeld, leading political adviser to the German Government, in Berlin this week. Dr Weidenfeld is Director of the Internationally renowned Center for Applied Studies based in Munich and in 2007 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. They had a comprehensive discussion on the prospects of democratic reform in Syria.

Commenting on the meeting: Ribal said:

“I was delighted and honoured to meet Dr Weidenfeld. I highlighted the dangers of extremism and sectarianism, which could lead to a civil war in Syria and a wider regional war. We had an excellent discussion about the role Germany can play in helping to end the repression in Syria and in supporting democratic development there. I welcome his and the German Government’s support for the legitimate demands of the Syrian people for freedom and dignity. I look forward to working with Dr Weidenfeld and the German Government to bring peaceful transitional democratic reform in Syria.”