1.
GV EXT Syrian People's Assembly building
0.05

2.
SV Red Cross flag handing on railings
0.08

3.
LV INT Mr. Ashi speaking to delegates from dais
0.13

4.
GV & SV PAN OVER Delegates listening (3 shots)
0.40

5.
LV Mr. Ashi speaking
0.45

6.
GV Delegates listening
0.53



Initials BB/1810 NPJ/PN/BB/1820



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: The eighth annual conference of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent organisations opened under the auspices of President Hafez Al-Assad of Syria, in the People's Assembly hall in Damascus on Thursday (8 April).

It was attended by representative of the foreign and Arab diplomatic crops stationed in Damascus, as well as delegates from medical organisations and associations in the Arab wold.

President Assad was represented by the Minister of State for the Premiership, Mr. Fayez Nasir. He opened the conference with a speech. in which he wished the delegates success in realising their objectives of encouraging humanity and understanding between peoples, and stimulating resistance to racialism. He hoped the organisations would continue to play their part in lessening the pain and catastrophe of war.

Other speakers included the Secretary General of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Associations in the Arab countries, Mr. Abdul Ghani Ashi, and the President of the International Association of the Red Cross, Mr. Henrick Pierre.

SYNOPSIS: At the People's Assembly Hall in Damascus, Syria, on Thursday, delegates gathered for the eighth annual conference of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent organisations. Mr. Abdul Ghani Ashi, the Secretary-General of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Associations in Arab countries was one of the main speakers.

The conference was held under the auspices of Syria's President Hafez Al-Assad, and his representative, Mr. Fayez Nasir, who is the Minister of State for the Premiership, opened the proceedings with a speech.

Mr. Nasir wished the delegates success in realising their objectives of encouraging humanity and understanding between peoples, and stimulating resistance to racialism as well as lessening the catastrophes of war.