Abdul Halim Khaddam, former vice president of the Syrian Republic, stated that the Arab League’s initiatives regarding Syria are heading towards a dead-end. In an interview with the London-based newspaper “Al-Sharq Al-Awsat” on Monday, he added that the Iraqi initiative within the Arab League is an Iranian initiative and that Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is “not qualified” for any initiative.
Khaddam, who had announced his defection from the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in December 2005 after his relationship with the latter deteriorated, mentioned that the international community bears responsibility for its hesitation in deciding to use military force to save the Syrian people. At the same time, he urged the Arab League to decide to overthrow the Syrian regime and refer the matter to the Security Council.
Regarding military intervention, Khaddam said, “Military intervention in Syria is possible, similar to what happened in Yugoslavia and Ivory Coast.” He pointed out that Syrians are waiting for decisive decisions from the Gulf summit scheduled for today.
In addressing the opposition, he sent a message, saying, “I say to the Syrian opposition that there is a difference between overthrowing the regime and overthrowing the state.” He added that the major flaw in the Syrian opposition lies in its divisions and the stubbornness of its factions, which will encourage the military to regain power.
