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74-495: Coup successful [REDACTED] Syrian Arab Republic The Syrian coup d'état of 1961 was an uprising by disgruntled Syrian Army officers on 28 September 1961, that resulted in the break-up of the United Arab Republic and the restoration of an independent Syrian Republic . While the army had all the power, it chose not to rule directly and instead entrusted politicians from the traditional political parties of

148-700: A sixty-day strike in protest. Atassi's political coalition, the National Bloc , mobilized massive popular support for his call. Riots and demonstrations raged, and the economy came to a standstill. After negotiations in March with Damien de Martel , the French High Commissioner in Syria, Hashim al-Atassi went to Paris heading a senior Bloc delegation. The new Popular Front -led French government, formed in June 1936 after

222-624: A complete halt to Jewish ambition in Palestine. France and the United States opposed British hegemony in the region, which eventually led to the creation of Israel. On 27 September 1941, France proclaimed, by virtue of, and within the framework of the Mandate, the independence and sovereignty of the Syrian State. The proclamation said "the independence and sovereignty of Syria and Lebanon will not affect

296-480: A crisis meeting with Nasser. Sarraj was expected to continue in his duties, but on 26 September he submitted his resignation from all posts. Nasser ordered Amer to return to Damascus immediately. During this tumultuous time amongst the UAR leadership, the coup plotters were able to plan and launch their coup unnoticed. At 4   am on 28 September an armoured column under the command of Lt-Colonel Abd al-Karim al-Nahlawi ,

370-461: A field artillery brigade from its base 40 km away from Damascus to the city and to suppress the uprising. While the Egyptian officers, ignoring Syrian complaints, dutifully obeyed the order, en route to Damascus these troops were met by their Syrian commanding officer who ordered them back to the base and arrested all the Egyptian officers. At 7:25   am Damascus radio broadcast communique #1 of

444-604: A new constitution was discussed by a Constituent Assembly elected in April 1928, but as the pro-independence National Bloc had won a majority and insisted on the insertion of several articles "that did not preserve the prerogatives of the mandatary power", the Assembly was dissolved on 9 August 1928. On 14 May 1930, the State of Syria was declared the Republic of Syria and a new Syrian constitution

518-458: A new tin be opened and an egg cooked before him. The fat once more gave off a nauseating smell: the President tasted it and pronounced it of inferior quality. Samples were sent for testing and revealed that the fat was made from bone waste". Afterwards, Quwatli ordered the arrest of colonel for profiteering. Following this incident, officers became enraged when the common folk held their noses at them,

592-597: A pact with the Soviet Union , providing a foothold for Communist influence within the government in exchange for planes, tanks, and other military equipment being sent to Syria. This increase in the strength of Syrian military technology worried Turkey , as it seemed feasible that Syria might attempt to retake Iskenderon , a formerly Syrian city now in Turkey. On the other hand, Syria and the USSR accused Turkey of massing its troops at

666-473: A reference to the smell of the cooking fat. On 14 August 1949, Zaim was overthrown by his colleague Sami al-Hinnawi . A few months later, in December 1949, Hinnawi was overthrown by Colonel Adib al-Shishakli . The latter undermined civilian rule and led to Shishakli's complete seizure of power in 1951. Shishakli continued to rule the country until 1954, when growing public opposition forced him to resign and leave

740-548: A short time before the Egyptian forces reached these bases they were taken over by rebel troops. The fewer than 200 Egyptian paratroopers who landed in Latakia were surrounded by the rebel troops and later returned to Egypt. Nasser called off the whole operation. On 2 November 870 Egyptian officers and soldiers were sent home while 960 Syrians returned home peacefully from Egypt. Later in the evening of 28 September, rebel radio announcements started attacking Nasser personally, calling him

814-694: A treaty that would not be ratified by the French legislature. However, the treaty allowed Jabal Druze, the Alawite region (now called Latakia ), and Alexandretta to be incorporated into the Syrian republic within the following two years. Greater Lebanon (now the Lebanese Republic) was the only state that did not join the Syrian Republic. Hashim al-Atassi, who was Prime Minister during King Faisal's brief reign (1918–1920),

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888-491: A tyrant. A curfew was imposed on Damascus from 7   pm until 5:30   am. If during the day it was unclear if rebels want greater freedom for Syria within UAR or restoration of total independence, when Radio Damascus ended its last broadcast for that day after midnight with the Syrian national anthem it was clear that they had chosen independence. At 7:30   am on 29 September, Radio Damascus announced that SARCAF has entrusted Maamun al-Kuzbari (a relative of one of

962-580: The April–May elections , had agreed to recognize the National Bloc as the sole legitimate representatives of the Syrian people and invited al-Atassi to independence negotiations. The resulting treaty called for immediate recognition of Syrian independence as a sovereign republic, with full emancipation granted gradually over a 25-year period. In 1936, the Franco-Syrian Treaty of Independence was signed,

1036-564: The Arab-Israeli War . An example of this shame can be seen in what we will call the Samneh Scandal of 1948. According to Patrick Seale , "President Shukri al-Quwatli and his new Prime Minister set off on a tour of front-line positions and supply points. The story has it that the two politicians noticed a pungent smell coming from a field kitchen. On making inquiries they were told that it came from burning cooking fat. Quwatli demanded that

1110-642: The First Syrian Republic that had become de facto independent in April 1946 from the French Mandate . The Second Republic was founded on the Syrian Constitution of 1950 , which was suspended from 1953 to 1954 under Adib Shishakli 's strongmanship, and later when Syria joined with the Republic of Egypt in forming the United Arab Republic in 1958. The Second Republic resumed when Syria withdrew from

1184-591: The Vichy Government until the British and Free French invaded and occupied the country in July 1941. Syria proclaimed its independence again in 1941 but it wasn't until 1 January 1944, that it was recognized as an independent republic. In the 1940s, Britain secretly advocated the creation of a Greater Syrian state that would secure Britain preferential status in military, economic and cultural matters, in return for putting

1258-413: The 16 banks operating in Syria at this time, 6 were UAR-Arab owned, 6 were owned by non-UAR Arabs and 7 were owned by non-Arabs. From 20 February until 8 March 1961, Nasser was on his fifth and final visit in Syria, where he made speeches denouncing liberal economy and promoting a more socialist, state controlled model. He also promised that more factories and industrial infrastructure would be developed in

1332-458: The French government, led France to reconsider its promises and refuse to ratify the treaty. Also, France ceded the Sanjak of Alexandretta , whose territory was guaranteed as part of Syria in the treaty, to Turkey . Riots again broke out, Atassi resigned, and Syrian independence was deferred until after World War II . With the fall of France in 1940 during World War II, Syria came under the control of

1406-593: The Israeli areas, but fortified their strongholds on the Golan Heights and managed to keep their old borders and occupy some additional territory. In July 1949, Syria was the last Arab country to sign an armistice agreement with Israel. On 29 March 1949, Syria's national government was overthrown by a military coup d'état led by Hussni al-Zaim . The cause of this coup was the shame that the Syrian Army experienced following

1480-593: The Military Committee rebelled in Aleppo , Homs and Deir ez-Zor . They called for the restoration of the UAR and for Egypt to send supporting troops. On 1 April 1962, army chief Abd al-Karim Zahreddine held talks in Homs between all the army factions, during which a secret compromise was reached: Syria's army had fractured along political, regional and religious lines, but it was unified in its wish to retain control over

1554-681: The Supreme Arab Revolutionary Command of the Armed Forces (SARCAF) in which they announced that "the army has taken steps to remove corruption and tyranny and to restore the legitimate rights of the people". Communique #2 was more political and listed complaints against "the oppressive, corrupt clique" that had discredited the union between the Arab peoples. Socialist laws that had been introduced in July and plans to purge Syrian officers were also criticized. Communique #3 announced that SARCAF

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1628-472: The Syrian border. During this standoff, Communists gained more control over the Syrian government and military. Only heated debates in the United Nations (of which Syria was an original member) lessened the threat of war. Syria's political instability during the years after the 1954 coup, the parallelism of Syrian and Egyptian policies, and the appeal of Egyptian President Gamal Abdal Nasser 's leadership in

1702-523: The UAR era socialist reforms and gains aimed at improving conditions for the poor and creation of a state controlled economy. The military were not democrats, but rather wanted to implement their local version of UAR-style one party military rule. Abd al-Karim al-Nahlawi established a National Security Council, which served as a tool for continued army control over the civilian government. UAR era restrictions on political and individual freedoms were retained. Political parties were still banned and control over

1776-691: The UAR led elements opposed to the union under Abd al-Karim al-Nahlawi to seize power on 28 September 1961. Two days later, Syria re-established itself as the Syrian Arab Republic. Frequent coups, military revolts, civil disorders and bloody riots characterized the 1960s. The 8 March 1963 coup resulted in installation of the National Council of the Revolutionary Command (NCRC), a group of military and civilian officials who assumed control of all executive and legislative authority. The takeover

1850-444: The UAR was saved, both sides were far from agreement. By early afternoon the rebels had received support from nearly all the Syrian army units and felt certain of victory. Nasser refused to negotiate with the rebels or to change his policies in Syria. At 5:20   pm, Amer and a group of Egyptian officers and loyalists were put on a plane to Cairo; this was announced in communique #12 at 5:45   pm. At 6:55   pm Nasser went on

1924-509: The UAR. Political parties were dissolved. Communists were the first to be purged. The Ba’ath Party , despite being the champions of unity and the most natural political allies of President Gamal Abdel Nasser , was also removed from the positions of influence during 1959–1960. Syrian officers felt threatened in their previously secure positions. Hundreds of Syrian officers were either posted in far-away Egypt or sent into retirement. In their place came Egyptian administrators and officers. Syria

1998-688: The UN and League of Arab States which Syria re-joined on 29 October. However, this did not mean that Nasser was going to be friendly towards the new regime. The Egyptian-Syrian propaganda wars started in October with Egypt calling the Syrian politicians “capitalists, reactionaries and feudalists”. Instead of talking about the dictatorial nature of the UAR police state, the Syrians constantly had to respond by stating that they were not reactionaries, western agents and traitors against Arab unity. After SARCAF appointed Zahr as-Din,

2072-656: The United Nations, relationship among which shall be based on respect for the principle of sovereign equality.'" So when the UN officially came into existence on 24 October 1945, after ratification of the United Nations Charter by the five permanent members , as both Syria and Lebanon were founding member states, the French mandate for both was legally terminated on that date and full independence attained. On 29 May 1945, France bombed Damascus and tried to arrest its democratically elected leaders. While French planes were bombing Damascus , Prime Minister Faris al-Khoury

2146-637: The army and government. Al-Nahlawi's forces arrested government members and dissolved the parliament after which President al-Qudsi resigned in protest. On 30 March general Zahr ad-Din and leading army officers from the Damascus region announced that this coup was a continuation of the 28 September coup and would return the country to its original goals. Meanwhile, on 31 March Nasserites and Ba’athists led by Jassem Alwan rose in revolt. While their goals were different, they were united in their opposition to al-Nahlawi's coup in Damascus. Alwan's forces and Ba’athists from

2220-592: The army. The machinations and conspiracies in the army continued and eventually led to the coup of 8 March 1963, organized by junior officers from the Ba’athist Military Committee. Syrian Republic (1946-63) [REDACTED] Asia portal The Second Syrian Republic , officially the Syrian Republic from 1950 to 1958 and the Syrian Arab Republic from 1961 to 1963, succeeded

2294-510: The chief of Amer's bureau in Syria, and Desert Guard units under the command of Lt-Colonel Haydar al-Kuzbari entered Damascus, and met with the troops of the Damascus garrison and air force. Army HQ, the radio station and airport were seized, checkpoints established and tanks patrolled the streets. The Syrian Army's commanding officers and Amer were arrested. Sarraj was placed under house arrest. Just before his arrest at 4   am, Amer had time to order Egyptian Major General Anwar al-Qadi to move

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2368-483: The constitution. The National Bloc was in the minority in the new Chamber of deputies with only 16 deputies out of 70, due to intensive vote-rigging by the French authorities. Among the deputies were also three members of the Syrian Kurdish nationalist Xoybûn (Khoyboun) party, Khalil bey Ibn Ibrahim Pacha ( Al-Jazira province ), Mustafa bey Ibn Shahin ( Jarabulus ) and Hassan Aouni ( Kurd Dagh ). There were later in

2442-596: The country. The national government was restored, but again to face instability, this time coming from abroad. After the overthrow of President Shishakli in the February 1954 coup , continued political maneuvering supported by competing factions in the military eventually brought Arab nationalist and socialist elements to power. During the Suez Crisis of 1956, after the invasion of the Sinai Peninsula by Israeli troops, and

2516-406: The coup organizers) to form a new government which consisted of the old National Party and People's Party politicians. It was government of the traditional Syrian elites, but it promised to maintain some of Nasser's progressive and socialist policies. On the same day Jordan and Turkey recognized the new regime. During that day, Major-General Abd al-Karim Zahreddine , a Druze , who was not involved in

2590-410: The declaration of independence, Syrian politics from independence through the late 1960s was marked by upheaval. The early years of independence were marked by political instability. From 1946 to 1956, Syria had 20 different cabinets and drafted four separate constitutions. In 1948, Syria was involved in the Arab-Israeli War with the newly created State of Israel . The Syrian army was pressed out of

2664-625: The dismissal or arrest of leading security officers. On 17 September Amer published a decree prohibiting the arrest of any person without a warrant from the Attorney General. This curbed the freedom of the secret services to arrest anyone at will. At the same time, it was decided to unite the Egyptian and Syrian security services, bringing them under Cairo's control. Amer also tried to rebuild positive contacts with Ba'ath politicians, including Salah ad-Din al-Bitar , who were enemies of Sarraj but supporters of Nasser's socialism, by awarding pensions to

2738-775: The dissolution of the Ba’ath party without any consultation with party members. This period of confusion increased the determination of the Ba’ath Military Committee to achieve its goals. Prior to ratification of the newly drafted Constitution, the Constitution of 1950 was in force. On 17 October Syria abolished the July laws that had nationalized large sectors of the economy. After the December elections , Peoples Party leaders Maarouf al-Dawalibi and Nazim al-Kudsi became prime minister and president, respectively. Maamun al-Kuzbari

2812-435: The earlier Syrian Republic to form the secessionist government. The restored country was a continuation of the Syrian Republic, but due to the influence of Nasserists and Arab nationalists it adopted a new name and became the Syrian Arab Republic . The restored regime was fragile and chaotic as internal army struggles influenced government policy. The traditionalist conservative politicians were increasingly out of touch with

2886-426: The export of currency over 100 Syrian piasters from Syria was prohibited. The official goal was to increase currency reserves and to prevent the flight of capital, in reality just the opposite occurred as capital started to flee the country. On 10 February existing import licenses were revoked and importers had to reapply for new ones. On 4 March all banks had to become joint stock companies owned by UAR Arab citizens. Of

2960-527: The following year by an election which is made by the people in Hatay. In June 1939. Syria did not recognize the incorporation of Hatay into Turkey and the issue is still disputed until the present time. The emerging threat of Adolf Hitler induced a fear of being outflanked by Nazi Germany if France relinquished its colonies in the Middle East. That, coupled with lingering imperialist inclinations in some levels of

3034-399: The former Ba’ath ministers on 17 September. The struggle between Amer and Sarraj had caused further consolidation of all power structures in the hands of Cairo. As the week progressed, some underground parties started street demonstrations against increased Egyptian control and the army was brought out to guard key buildings in Damascus. On 20 September 1961 Sarraj and Amer went to Cairo for

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3108-410: The government, prevent a return to a full democracy and continue on a more socialist course of development. On 3 April a group of mutinous officers was exiled to Switzerland. On 4 April Abd al-Karim Zahreddine made new appointments in the ranks. On 13 April President al-Qudsi resumed his duties. On 16 April a new government of technocrats, led by Dr. Bashir al-Azma was sworn in. Abd al-Karim Zahreddine

3182-467: The intervention of British and French troops, martial law was declared in Syria. Later Syrian and Iraqi troops were brought into Jordan to prevent a possible Israeli invasion. The November 1956 attacks on Iraqi pipelines were in retaliation for Iraq's acceptance into the Baghdad Pact . In early 1957, Iraq advised Egypt and Syria against a conceivable takeover of Jordan. In November 1956, Syria signed

3256-764: The juridical situation as it results from the Mandate Act. Indeed, this situation could be changed only with the agreement of the Council of the League of Nations, with the consent of the Government of the United States, a signatory of the Franco-American Convention of 4 April 1924, and only after the conclusion between the French Government and the Syrian and Lebanese Governments of treaties duly ratified in accordance with

3330-539: The laws of the French Republic. Benqt Broms said that it was important to note that there were several founding members of the United Nations whose statehood was doubtful at the time of the San Francisco Conference and that the Government of France still considered Syria and Lebanon to be mandates. Duncan Hall said "Thus, the Syrian mandate may be said to have been terminated without any formal action on

3404-537: The media was retained. Those who were purged from their posts under the UAR regime were not reinstated. The traditional infighting and instability resumed. This was aided by the fact that the main coup leaders had different political leanings and also business interests (through their extended families). Al-Kuzbari was arrested already in November 1961 and al-Husseini in January 1962. While the traditional parties fully supported

3478-507: The meeting and suspended Syrian participation in the Arab League for a year. On 17 September a new National Unity Government, led by Khalid al-Azm , was sworn in and the parliament dissolved. The new government began to implement socialist policies and restore full democratic liberties. The state of emergency was lifted on 22 December 1962. Benefiting from the new liberties, Abd al-Karim al-Hahlawi returned to Syria and demanded reinstatement in

3552-479: The new communiques were issued under his name. A new National Security Council was established which included the Army commanders, the President and five key ministers who supervised the government. This system was the source for the instability of the secessionist regime. While the parliament and government were composed of largely traditional, right of centre politicians, the military wanted to retain and to implement many of

3626-511: The part of the League or its successor. The mandate was terminated by the declaration of the mandatory power, and of the new states themselves, of their independence, followed by a process of piecemeal unconditional recognition by other powers, culminating in formal admission to the United Nations. Article 78 of the Charter ended the status of tutelage for any member state: 'The trusteeship system shall not apply to territories which have become Members of

3700-477: The planning of the coup, was appointed the army's commander-in-chief. He was a compromise figure and survived in the post until the 8 March 1963, coup. The restored republic kept the flag and anthem of the old Syrian Republic but changed its name to the Syrian Arab Republic (to demonstrate its commitment to the Arab nationalist cause). In a speech on 5 October Nasser recognized the fact of Syrian secession and said that he would not block Syria's renewed membership in

3774-407: The radicalized army, which eventually swept the old order away in the coup of 8 March 1963 . After the rushed and overtly enthusiastic decision to unite with Egypt , Syrians realized that they had joined a very centralized, autocratic military dictatorship which increasingly destroyed Syria's traditional politics and economy. In fact, during this period Syria did not exist, it was Northern Region of

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3848-447: The radio once again. He refused to negotiate and called on the armed forces to do their duty by crushing the rebels. In fact, at around 9:30   am that morning, Nasser had ordered some Egyptian troops to Syria in an effort to suppress the rebellion. As Egypt and Syria shared no land border, airborne paratroopers and some seaborne troops were ordered to leave for Latakia and Aleppo , where army bases were still loyal to Nasser. However,

3922-581: The realization that they were about to lose everything. This was coupled with the increasing dissatisfaction among army officers. On 16 August the Northern Executive council, the regional government of Syria since 1958, was abolished and all executive power was concentrated in Cairo. Syrian executives were transferred to Cairo and given positions of in the unified government. On 30 August the Northern Region

3996-452: The rebels. Amer was certain that the UAR could be saved by meeting the rebel demands for greater local autonomy, softening the July laws and through agrarian reform. It is still unclear if Amer was sincere during these negotiations or was simply playing for time and awaiting Egyptian troops. Amer was allowed to get in touch with Nasser via shortwave radio and to get his approval for this agreement. On this conciliatory note, SARCAF communique #9

4070-433: The regional National Union, he remained in power until the next Secretary General was elected. The National Union at that time was the UAR's ruling party and, at least in theory, had control over the government. To eliminate this conflict, on 18 September Nasser ordered the merger of Egyptian and Syrian National union branches. A struggle over Sarraj's power base, the secret police, started. During 16–17 September Amer ordered

4144-455: The restored Syria, the Ba’ath party was split. Akram al-Hawrani and his socialists were against the UAR, while both founders Michel Aflaq and Salah ad-Din al-Bitar sent confusing signals. Aflaq refused to support secession, while al-Bitar initially had supported it, but withdrew his support under pressure from the party. Many party members in the provinces had kept the party alive during the UAR period and were against Aflaq, who had proclaimed

4218-445: The role of Inspector General) to take control in Damascus. On 26 August Amer and Sarraj both went to Cairo for a government meeting. On 15 September Sarraj returned to Damascus, and on 16 September he convened a meeting of Northern region's National Union Executive committee meeting. On 16 September, Amer announced that Sarraj no longer had authority to convene such meetings, to which Sarraj replied that as an elected Secretary General of

4292-516: The secret police Sarraj had also been a significant supporter of Nasser and his rise to power with the United Arab Republic. Already in June 1961 Nasser had told Sarraj about his plan to liquidate the local administration. As a way of removing him from the power, on 17 August 1961 Sarraj was made one of UAR's Vice Presidents with responsibility over internal affairs and moved to Cairo. On 13 August Nasser sent his confidant Abdel Hakim Amer (in

4366-488: The spring of 1962 the pressure grew in parliament for the restoration of full democratic freedoms. Parliament requested al-Dawalibi's resignation, restoration of all liberties and establishment of National Unity Government. Al-Dawalibi resigned on 27 March. Between 28 March and 2 April 1962 Syria was racked by coups and counter coups. The first attempt was made by Abd al-Karim al-Nahawi, whose forces now included Ba’athists and Nasserites. He wanted to regain his lost influence in

4440-579: The still largely agricultural country. In early July government seized grain from storage and announced increased import of cattle in order to meet food and meat shortages that were caused by severe drought that had plagued Syria for three years. In July 1961 Nasser announced his Second (Social) revolution by promoting a number of laws that nationalized most of the industries, toughened the agrarian reform, introduced employee management participation and profit sharing rights. As usual for Nasser, these laws were not discussed beforehand. Syrian elites were united in

4514-593: The union in 1961. In 1963, the Syrian Ba'athist Party came to power in a bloodless military coup , which laid the foundations for the political structure in Syria to the present day. The green, white, black and red flag is the first flag of the Syrian Arab Republic and with the shortest usage, that being from 1961 to 1963. It is also the flag of the Syrian Opposition during the ongoing Syrian civil war . The project of

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4588-455: The unusual step of responding to the rebellion via live radio broadcast. He announced that he would not dissolve the UAR (this was to be done by Anwar Sadat in September 1971), that the rebellion in Damascus was small scale and that he had given orders to the Syrian army to suppress it. Meanwhile, Amer, along with other arrested Syrian army commanders and ministers spent the day negotiating with

4662-498: The use of its air space , and to allow France to maintain two military bases on Syrian territory. Other political, economic and cultural provisions were included. Atassi returned to Syria in triumph on 27 September 1936 and was elected President of the Republic in November. In September 1938, France again separated the Syrian Sanjak of Alexandretta and transformed it into the State of Hatay . The State of Hatay joined Turkey in

4736-505: The wake of the Suez crisis created support in Syria for union with Egypt. On 1 February 1958, Syrian president Shukri al-Kuwatli and Nasser announced the merging of the two countries, creating the United Arab Republic , and all Syrian political parties, as well as the Communists therein, ceased overt activities. The merger was approved in a 1958 referendum . Discontent with Egyptian dominance of

4810-523: The year, from 30 March to 6 April, "complementary elections". In 1933, France attempted to impose a treaty of independence heavily prejudiced in favor of France. It promised gradual independence but kept the Syrian Mountains under French control. The Syrian head of state at the time was a French puppet, Muhammad 'Ali Bay al-'Abid . Fierce opposition to this treaty was spearheaded by senior nationalist and parliamentarian Hashim al-Atassi , who called for

4884-487: Was at the founding conference of the United Nations in San Francisco, presenting Syria 's claim for independence from the French Mandate . Syrian independence was attained on 24 October 1945, with recognition of the international community. Continuing pressure from Syrian nationalist groups and British pressure forced the French to evacuate their last troops on 17 April 1946. Although rapid economic development followed

4958-409: Was broadcast at 1:26   pm in which it was announced that SARCAF wanted to preserve Arab unity and that Amer had "made the necessary decisions to safeguard the unity of the armed forces of the United Arab Republic. The army matters had been restored to their normal course." Radio Damascus once again identified itself as the "radio station of the UAR in Damascus". While for a few hours it seemed that

5032-577: Was divided in 11 governorates with governors appointed by Nasser and accountable to the Minister of the Interior. Syria had become just another Egyptian province. Abdel Hamid al-Sarraj was the last Syrian with real power in Syria. The President of the Northern Executive Council, Secretary General of the local branch of the ruling National Union, Syrian Minister of Interior and the long-time head of

5106-476: Was elected Speaker of the Parliament. During the first months after the coup, the government succeeded in reducing the number of coup supporters in the leading army positions and at the same reduced UAR socialist laws and regulations. Instead of maintaining strong relations with Egypt's ally, the USSR, better relations were established with West Germany and Iraq. On 16 March 1962 President Nazim al-Kudsi met with Iraq's prime minister Abd al-Karim Qasim . During

5180-432: Was in full control and asked that all Egyptians be treatred with care. Communique #4 announced the closure of all airports and harbors. While SARCAF at this time did not announce the break-up of the UAR or secession from it, most Syrians had had enough of Egyptian rule, and despite the never-ending professions towards the goal of Arab unity, they were happy to regain their traditional freedoms. At 9:07   am Nasser took

5254-475: Was promulgated by the French High Commissioner, in the same time as the Lebanese Constitution, the Règlement du Sandjak d'Alexandrette , the Statute of the Alawi Government, the Statute of the Jabal Druze State. A new flag was also mentioned in this constitution: During December 1931 and January 1932, the first elections under the new constitution were held, under an electoral law providing for "the representation of religious minorities" as imposed by article 37 of

5328-505: Was ruled by the secret police of Abdel Hamid al-Sarraj . During the first months of 1961 state control over the Syrian economy was greatly increased. The governor of the Central Bank of Syria resigned at the end of January, warning about the dangers of nationalization and planned currency unification (Egypt and Syria still had their own currencies). On 5 February currency control was introduced, all foreign currency deposits were frozen, and

5402-527: Was the first president to be elected under a new constitution adopted after the independence treaty. The treaty guaranteed incorporation of previously autonomous Druze and Alawite regions into Greater Syria , but not Lebanon , with which France signed a similar treaty in November. The treaty also promised curtailment of French intervention in Syrian domestic affairs as well as a reduction of French troops, personnel and military bases in Syria. In return, Syria pledged to support France in times of war, including

5476-484: Was the new Defence minister. This government renationalized large enterprises including banks and restarted land reform. Meanwhile, Nasserites and Ba’athists, with Egyptian support, planned another coup for the restoration of UAR, which was to take place on 28 July 1962, but was discovered and suppressed by the government. Syria demanded that the Arab League look into the matter and during a meeting publicly accused Egypt of wanting to annex Syria. The Egyptian delegation left

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