Mamoun Kuzbari's speech after being elected Speaker of the House of Representatives - 24 October 1953

Honorable Representatives, I am delighted and honored to have won your valued trust, for which I am most grateful. I pray to God Almighty to give us the strength to assume the great responsibilities that are laid upon us, and to guide us through the path of serving the best interest of our nation and homeland under the leadership of the first President of the Republic, his excellency Adib Shishakli.

 

The election of a new House; therefore, the formation of the Legislative Branch of Government, alongside the Executive and the Judiciary, marks a blissful era. The powers through which the people practice sovereignty have now been accomplished; our beloved Syria has now attained a comprehensive Constitutional Government within a democratic system fulfilling the aspiration of patriotic citizens.

 

The House of Representatives, under a Presidential form of Government, plays a vital role in the state; the responsibilities that are laid upon its members are much more crucial than under the previous governing systems that our country has witnessed. One of the great advantages of the Presidential form of Government is that it does not permit dual membership of the House of Representatives and the Cabinet. Past experiences have proven that instability of governments and inefficiency in running public affairs typically stem from the interference of House of Representatives in forming and toppling cabinets.

 

The Presidential form of Government is characterized by close cooperation between the Legislature and the Executive where the Executive entrusts representatives who are summoned by the Legislature to the Parliament for discussion, liaison, coordination and deliberation over public affairs. Such form of cooperation and liaison highlights the effectiveness of parliaments in running the state.

 

We have sworn an oath of loyalty to the Constitution and independence of our country, and vowed to uphold liberties, safeguard public funds and interests and preserve the Republican form of Government. We had made similar vows in our manifestos, to serve the nation with devotion and integrity. I call upon you to honor this great oath and those noble vows.

 

The Syrian people, and the wider Arab Nation, are looking forward to our House and monitoring our proceedings. let us be where the people who put their valued trust in us want us to be; let us keep in mind that a parliamentary seat cannot be divided, and that every member of parliament should represent the whole people.

 

Let us prove that this House, with its high proportion of young and educated members, is capable of fulfilling the duties and responsibilities that are laid up it.

 

Let us call for renouncing grudges and standing united in the face of the growing menace of the wanton Zionist aggression.

 

God willing, we are going to fulfil our aspirations and achieve our goals.