Damascus, June 6, SPA -- Syrian President Bashar Assadopened a conference of the ruling Baath Party by urgingits members to make reform of the economy and fightingcorruption their priorities. "The economic situation and improving living standardsrepresent a priority for us," Assad told the gathering. "Corruption is a social and moral problem," he was quoted as saying by the Associated Press. Speaking to some 1,150 delegates elected by the party's 2million members, Assad said the Baath had to evaluate itsperformance during the past few years. The conference "should push the reform process forward torespond to the majority of people," said Assad.--SPA1137 Local Time 0837 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/267727