Noureddine Bouchkouj Khartoum - Abedalgoum Ashmeag The secretary general of the Arab Parliamentary Union, Noureddine Bouchkouj, has discussed his views on Syria with Arabstoday. Bouchkouj described the situation in Syria as “thorny,” and that any handling of it would undoubtedly be “complicated.” He told Arabstoday that Syrian citizens are paying a high price for the current struggle, which has resulted in dozens of deaths and casualties everyday in addition to destroying state institutions. Bouchkouj expressed his hope that there will be “a quick end of the crisis” because “Syria is an important country for the Arab nation world.” He declared the swiftest way to treat the crisis would be to respond to the wishes of the people “of having a free and democratic country which allows them to openly express their opinions and participate in decision-making.” He stressed that “the only solution to the problems in the Arab countries lies in democracy.” He also added that work must be done to “to gain international support for all of the Arab nation’s issues, as international relations require awareness and a presence in all international forums.” Bouchkouj suggesting addressing Arab unity in a way that focuses on the interests of the people. However, regarding a question on how to establish this Arab unity despite the establishment of several blocs in the Gulf, the Maghreb and other places, he stressing that it should start with the GCC and the Nile countries, then discuss a comprehensive Arab unity later. Bouchkouj added that Arab citizens were liberated after the Arab Spring but the movement had pros and cons. The positive side of the Arab spring is that it broke down barriers and enabled the people to express their opinions. However, it provoked some countries such as Libya to descend in to war. He described the 8th meeting of the union of the Parliaments states in Khartoum as “a real chance of discussing the resolution of pressing issues.”