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US Embassy Damascus - HomePage Embassy NewsU.S. Citizen ServicesVisas to the U.S.U.S. Policy & IssuesResourcesTrade & Commerce Embassy Highlights Statement by Tom Casey, Deputy Spokesman Arrest of Syrian Political Activist Riad Seif We condemn the recent arrest of Syrian political activist Riad Seif. His arrest and detention, along with the lack of transparency in the recently started legal proceedings against 10 Damascus Declaration National Council members, are yet another example of the Syrian regime’s contempt for the universally-recognized right of free expression of ideas, and its blatant attempts to silence and intimidate the Syrian people. The U.S. expects the Syrian government to live up to its obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and cease its harassment of Syrians who are peacefully seeking to bring about democratic and political reform in their country.(full text) STATEMENTS BY THE PRESIDENT THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release, December 14, 2007 STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT I applaud the recent formation of the National Council of the Damascus Declaration in Damascus, Syria. The brave men and women who formed this Council reflect the desires of the majority of Syrian people to live in freedom, democracy, and peace, both at home and alongside their neighbors in the region. The Syrian regime continues to hold hundreds of prisoners of conscience and has arrested more than thirty National Council members in the past few days. All those detained should be released immediately. The Syrian regime continues to deny its citizens fundamental human rights, including freedom of expression, freedom of movement, and the right to elect a representative government responsive to their needs. The formation of the National Council is an encouraging sign to all people who support freedom and democracy. We support the National Council s principles of non-viole...