Former Syrian Vice President Abdel Halim Khaddam, who left the Syrian authorities since 2005, accused the current Syrian regime of "contributing to fueling sectarian tensions" in the country.
Khaddam stressed today during a meeting with journalists in a hotel in the Belgian capital, Brussels, that Syria had not experienced any sectarian tension before, "but the practices of the current regime have led to this situation," did he declare.
Khaddam expressed his belief that “Syrian youth will continue their protests and achieve their goals,” because “these young people have no ties to any party or group of any kind,” as he described it.
Khaddam, a dissident of the Damascus regime, launched a torrent of accusations against the Syrian authorities of "corruption, monopolization of power, suppression of freedoms and economic mismanagement", which led to the mobilization of youth, "in more success.” revolutions in Tunisia and Egypt,” according to his words.
He explained that all opposition parties support the peaceful movement in the Syrian streets and, according to his words, do not accept any external interference in the country's affairs.
Khaddam accused Syrian President Bashar al-Assad of “supporting the regime of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi”, criticizing at the same time the positions of Arab countries: “The Arab countries which support the Libyan opposition are the same which support the opposition Libyan. President al-Assad,” he said.
In response to a question related to his political background, given that he was for many years one of the most important faces of the Syrian regime, Khaddam said that he had advised the Syrian president and provided him with many suggestions to deal with the situation, "but President Bashar ignored all my suggestions," he said, claiming that his decision to leave the Syrian regime was motivated by his concern for his country, Syria, and that the affair had happened years ago and had nothing to do with what is happening now.
Khaddam has expressed his willingness to stand trial, indicating that he is not afraid to defend himself against any charges that may be brought against him.
