The Movement for Justice and Development aims to bring about democratic change in Syria. That means ending the current Ba'thist dictatorship and returning to a democratic system of government which upholds human rights and the rule of law, and which promotes economic development and political stability.
The way we pursue our aims is governed by our five guiding principles. First we believe in non-violence as the most viable way of removing dictatorship. Second, we work within existing social networks to further the democratic cause. Third, we work towards establishing a broad-base of support from all sections of Syrian society. Fourth, we adopt a centrist approach to politics which relies on consensus-building. Fifth, we adhere to a Syria-first policy when it comes to engagement with foreign parties.
It means that we adopt a winning formula. By rejecting violence we deny the regime the excuse to repress while striking the regime where it hurts most: popular support. By choosing to work inside Syria despite difficult conditions, we are establishing, or reinvigorating, existing strong networks within society which oppose the current regime. These networks will play an important role in dictatorship's demise. We work towards getting all Syrians on board the pro-democracy movement by broadening our political programme to encompass all sections of society. The regime has played the divide-and-rule card and it is our mission to counter that through a one-nation message. We extend the hand of cooperation based on trust and mutual respect to all genuine democratic opposition forces. Only by uniting these forces through compromise and consensus-building can there be hope for a permanent democracy. Because we believe that Syria's interest stands above all else, we are open-minded about cooperation with regional and international partners for the sake of securing change.
The international community has an interest in Syria being a force for stability in the region. It also has an interest in opening up Syria to the free-market. These goals cannot be achieved while Syria remains a totalitarian state. The Ba'th regime which seized power in 1963 has turned Syria into an anomaly; politically repressive and economically backward. The tide of change is sweeping the Middle East and change is coming to Syria. By supporting the democratic opposition, the international community can help shape a better Syria by promoting reform-minded leaders and a peaceful transition to democracy. By turning a blind eye, they are allowing popular resentment to turn to despair, which could lead to violence and greater repression.
Change will happen only through the collaborative efforts of all pro-democracy forces. However, what we can bring to the table is considerable. We have an experienced yet untainted leadership which has a broad appeal and which possesses the political acumen to steer the country to a peaceful, democratic future. We have a rapidly expanding number of young activists inside Syria who are hungry for change, and who are ready to take on the dictatorship. Internationally, we have a professional and dedicated team working to rally support for the opposition and counter regime propaganda. Our experience has shown that we can work productively with all parties, and that we have a genuinely broad base of support. All these factors and more make us quietly confident that we can tip the balance in favour of the right side.
Properly managed it should not. That is why we advocate policies which enable the development of a strong and united alternative leadership which can assume effective control of the country. It is also why we advocate non-violent struggle as the means by which change is to take place. The Syrian people are by their nature peaceful, and despite the difficult periods brought about by dictatorship, they have consistently rejected violence in all its forms.
