Former Syrian Vice President Abdel Halim Khaddam has announced that Moscow continues to adhere to its position regarding the necessity of dialogue between the opposition and the government in Damascus. He called for the formation of an international coalition outside the Security Council to intervene in Syria.
Yesterday, the Italian news agency “Aki” quoted Khaddam as saying, “The Russians have consistently maintained their position and still emphasize the importance of political dialogue with the Syrian regime to reach a solution.” During his meeting with Russian envoy Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov, Khaddam expressed that any discussion about dialogue with the criminal regime is futile, not only for the opposition but for all honest Syrians. He questioned who would dare engage in dialogue with the regime after the immense destruction it has caused in Syria, stating that such dialogue would imply acceptance of President Bashar Al-Assad’s existence and the regime itself. He further asked on what basis such dialogue could take place and how the participants would reach an agreement.
Khaddam emphasized that even if the regime’s leader were to step down, the structure of the security system would remain unchanged. He believed that the problem lies not solely with the individual but with the tools of the regime.
Regarding the proposal to establish a transitional government in Syria, Khaddam expressed that a government without a program cannot provide a solution and would not last more than 10 days. He stated that the interim government should coincide with the collapse of the regime, and personally, he disagreed with the idea of forming a government while the deadly regime still exists, even if it includes all segments of the opposition.
Khaddam pointed out that attempts by many opposition figures to develop such a government have failed, just like previous exile governments that lack a presence within the country. He added that there are currently no liberated territories inaccessible to the regime’s forces, given their aerial and artillery capabilities.
He believed that “it is possible to accelerate” the overthrow of the regime by forming a coalition of the international community outside the Security Council to intervene in Syria. He stated that “as soon as the first three fighter planes fly over the areas controlled by the regime, it will fall.”
Khaddam highlighted that “the delay in international intervention will lead to increased extremism in Syria. This matter will not only burn Syria, but also burn the interests of all countries in the region.”
During their discussion, Khaddam and Bogdanov addressed the bloody crisis in Syria and the Russian position in support of Assad. Bogdanov emphasized that his country supports change through political dialogue. Khaddam expressed his hope for the Russian leadership to reconsider its policy and cease all forms of military, political, and economic support provided to the regime in Syria.
