Opposition raises stakes in Syria with 'government-in-waiting'



DAMASCUS // Opposition activists and demonstrators plan to hold an open political meeting in a neighbourhood of Damascus that has been strongly anti-Assad tomorrow, to begin forming a government-in-waiting.

The gathering, dubbed a National Salvation Council, will take place in Qaboun, a neighbourhood that has played a leading part in pro-democracy demonstrations.

Protesters from Local Coordination Committees (LCC) will be among the delegates. Until now, LCC members have remained underground, not openly joining Syria's established political opposition groups in a united platform.

Meshaal Tammo, a leading activist and organiser behind the event, which is also backed by Haithem Al Maleh, a leading civil rights activist and former judge, and other renowned dissidents, said: "Opposition meetings must include the youths who are risking their lives in the street for freedom. They are the real power behind the uprising."

Mr Tammo described the conference as "raising the stakes" in the struggle over Syria's future.

Drawing up a shadow government will break new ground for opposition groups, as they to aim to show that President Bashar Al Assad is not indispensable.

The authorities have not given permission for the meeting to take place, and some dissidents say they expect it will be prevented from going ahead by security services.

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How to come clean about financial infidelity
  • Be honest and transparent: It is always better to own up than be found out. Tell your partner everything they want to know. Show remorse. Inform them of the extent of the situation so they know what they are dealing with.
  • Work on yourself: Be honest with yourself and your partner and figure out why you did it. Don’t be ashamed to ask for professional help. 
  • Give it time: Like any breach of trust, it requires time to rebuild. So be consistent, communicate often and be patient with your partner and yourself.
  • Discuss your financial situation regularly: Ensure your spouse is involved in financial matters and decisions. Your ability to consistently follow through with what you say you are going to do when it comes to money can make all the difference in your partner’s willingness to trust you again.
  • Work on a plan to resolve the problem together: If there is a lot of debt, for example, create a budget and financial plan together and ensure your partner is fully informed, involved and supported. 

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