A/HRC/18/53 [Unofficial translation] Note verbale dated 5 August 2011 from the Permanent Mission of the Syrian Arab Republic addressed to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Geneva, 5 August 2011 First: The government of the Syrian Arab Republic expresses its continued interest to cooperate with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and confirms its persistence in uncovering and exposing facts about the questions raised. The Government will do so to exclude all fabricated claims, made up lies and false information that are being submitted to the High Commissioner from sources with questionable objectives and methods that are immoral, inhuman, unlawful methods aimed at discrediting Syria. Second: The Government of the Syrian Arab Republic re-affirms the basic principles guiding its logic in dealing with matters to be discussed; it is according to the following points: The Constitution of the Syrian Arab Republic guarantees freedom of expression. The Government has the responsibility to protect and promote the practice of the right of freedom of expression, and to develop a nurturing environment aimed at cultivating this basic right for its citizens in order to achieve a positive outcome for the Syrian society. The right to peaceful demonstrations is also secured by the constitution of the Syrian Arab Republic. A law regulating the exercise of this right in accordance with internationally recognized standards has been recently issued. Syrian laws contain texts clearly aimed at reinforcing reprehension for committing acts of torture, or distress of any kind. Syrian laws provide for punishment for acts resulting in depravation of freedom or illegal imprisonment, whether carried out by private individuals or by persons affiliated with the authorities. One of the main pillars of the policy adopted by the Syrian Government is to defend, protect and advance human rights in the country and abroad. Fighting corruption is an ongoing process, and the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic is determined to pursue and advance legislations complementing the mechanisms addressing this phenomenon. In this area, we are in line with the laws adopted by leading countries. The government of the Syrian Arab Republic is actively working on developing political activism in Syria; it has proven its intention by proceeding to making important decisions and taking comprehensive steps in this regard. A comprehensive national dialogue among all segments of the Syrian society is the best approach to achieve reform and development in subjects related to politics, legislations, society and economy. In order to achieve the highest standards of social justice for all individuals in the society, it is decided that the rule of law and the judiciary are the two most important pillars upon which the overall reform process shall be built. Based on the above, and since the beginning of the events in March 2011, we confirm that the concerned Syrian authorities have accompanied and protected peaceful demonstrations, 77