Abdel Halim Khaddam, the former vice president of Syria and a founding member of the opposition National Salvation Front, recently concluded a conference in London. Khaddam, who is seeking to overthrow the regime in Syria, believes that civil disobedience is a key strategy in achieving this goal.
To bring about change in Syria, we rely on peaceful means. The overthrow of regimes in other countries has often been accomplished through the power of the people. In Syria, the prevailing state of congestion and suffering is primarily a result of oppression, injustice, poverty, hunger, and economic crises. The country is grappling with high unemployment rates, and even educated individuals struggle to find work. These conditions have contributed to a sense of popular congestion. The regime, fearing the internal situation, resorts to using security services to apprehend citizens, particularly intellectuals and writers. This fear stems from the potential for the situation to rapidly transform into a popular movement that could place the regime in a difficult position, ultimately leading to its downfall. As a result, the Syrian people find themselves in a state of congestion.
The role of the National Salvation Front is to alleviate this congestion by promoting civil disobedience as a means to peacefully bring down the regime. We firmly reject violence, as it is not in the nature of Syrians to resort to such measures. Moreover, we do not support a military coup as a means of regime change, considering the misfortunes it has brought to Syria and other Arab countries.
Regarding our relations with the opposition in Syria, we actively engage with various organizations. We strive to foster communication and unity among all forces working towards successful change, ensuring the participation of all. As opposition parties, we share common goals and reasons for mobilization, and there are no contradictions among us.
In terms of our expectations from the international community, our message is clear: we urge them not to turn a blind eye to the regime’s mistakes and to assist the Syrian people in facing this ordeal. We seek their support in freeing Syria from the grip of this corrupt and authoritarian regime, which has lost both national and international legitimacy. We will work diligently to explain the situation in Syria, fostering better understanding and encouraging supportive actions that aid the Syrian people in overcoming their current struggles.
As for the anticipated interim report from Serge Brammertz, the head of the International Commission of Inquiry into the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri, I currently lack specific information about its contents due to the investigator’s work being conducted in strict secrecy. However, I expect the report to present significant indications regarding the perpetrators of this crime. In due course, I believe that a final report will be submitted following the establishment of the International Tribunal responsible for prosecuting those responsible for the assassination.