The revolution and pacts (42), Ring of bilateral pacts (iv), Popular reaction. Dr. Marouf Dawaliby, a prominent member of the Shaab Party, today said that the Agreement should have been concluded a long time ago, and that it was Syria's duty to stand by Egypt in her battle with Israel. “Dr. Fakher el-Kayalli, the former Minister of Economy and a prominent member of the National Party, today suggested that the Agreement should be strengthened by an economic and political agreement between the two countries. “The Syrian press was unanimous that the Egypt and Syria could now win ‘the second round' against Israel. “In Beirut, the Agreement was received with general satisfaction. The Lebanese Nida Party issued a statement saying it illustrated the determination of both countries to face Israel. The statement described the Agreement as a ‘purely Arab one' which did not bind any of the two contracted parties to any commitment with a foreign country (an implicit reference to the Baghdad Pact). “The party asked the Lebanese government to join the agreement which would ‘bind her by a strong tie with two other Arab countries which have borders with Israel'. Meanwhile, The Egyptian Gazette of October 23, 1955 carried a lengthy report that highlighted popular reaction in Syria, Lebanon and Egypt to the signing of the Egypto-Syrian Pact and the high hopes pinned on it. Headlined: Egypto-Syrian accord receives widespread welcome Economic, political talks suggested The Gazette report said: “The opposition Socialist Baath (Renaissance) Party today issued a statement suggesting that political and economic talks should be arranged immediately between the two countries. “The Beirut daily Al-Deyar said the agreement would be of great interest to all the Arab world, and that it was the duty of Lebanon to follow the example of Egypt and Syria. “Al-Hayat asked Egypt and Syria to enlarge the Agreement so it could include all the Arab states.” [email protected]
