Ribal Al-Assad, Director of the ODFS, this week met with Mr Tunne Kelam MEP, Member of the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee. He was a leading campaigner against communism and helped to lead Estonia to independence and freedom. They had a comprehensive discussion about ending the repression in Syria and bringing peaceful democratic reform. The meeting was a part of a series of meetings that Ribal had with senior members of the European Parliament from across the political spectrum, senior policy advisers and officials from the European Commission.

Commenting on the meeting, Ribal, said:

“I was delighted and honoured to meet Mr Kelam. 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 the EU can play in helping to end the repression in Syria and in supporting democratic development there. I welcome his and the EU’s support for the legitimate demands of the Syrian people for freedom and dignity. I look forward to working with Mr Kelam and the EU to bring peaceful transitional democratic reform in Syria.”