I participated in the Arab Lawyers Union conference in Damascus in the summer of 1989, precisely 28 years ago. During this time, I attended as a researcher presenting a scientific paper at the conference about the future of power balances in the Arab region within the framework of the Arab-Israeli conflict. I also served as an advisor to the Union, participated in organizing the conference, and was responsible for the media delegation attending the conference.
At that time, Egyptian-Syrian relations were severed, and consequently, there were no direct flights. Travel arrangements were made by air to Amman, Jordan, and then by land to Damascus. The journey by land took about 10 hours, in contrast to the one-hour flight from Cairo to Damascus, illustrating the political measures that harm the interests of the people under the pretext of defending ideas and policies.
Upon our arrival in Damascus, we were warmly welcomed by the Syrian people, especially Egyptians, evident in the streets and shops, not just at the Sham Hotel. President Hafez al-Assad hosted a dinner for all conference participants at the Presidential People’s Palace. Due to the warm reception of the Egyptian media delegation, President Assad assigned Deputy Abdul Halim Khaddam to hold an extensive 4-hour interview, covering various topics. Khaddam’s responses were clear and decisive, reflecting a strategic vision within which they operated.
One of the significant questions addressed the Egyptian-Syrian relations, the reasons for the continued rupture, and the expected date of their restoration. Additionally, the Syrian presence in Lebanon, its implications, objectives, and timetable were discussed. Having participated in this meeting, I recorded it in full detail, and immediately following the conversation, the deputy instructed the preparation of a helicopter to transport the Egyptian media delegation to Lebanon.
We met with various political figures, including some former Lebanese presidents and Shiite leaders in the south (Baalbek). The visit concluded with an extensive program lasting about 24 hours without sleep, including a meeting with the head of Syrian intelligence in Lebanon (Brigadier General Ghazi Kanaan) that lasted about two hours. We then returned by the perilous land route, exposed to gunfire, and were rescued on a memorable day. Despite the risks, the great benefit was gaining an understanding of the Lebanese reality and the importance of the Syrian presence, a reflection of the serious discussions held by the media delegation with Deputy Khaddam. The delegation was comprised of young, enthusiastic journalists committed to Arab unity and the issues of the Arab nation.
As for the other side, which took up a significant part of the meeting with the Vice President, he informed us that Syria and President Hafez al-Assad have no objection to the restoration of relations. He emphasized that the issue lies with Cairo and President Mubarak. We said to him, “You politicians have bewildered us. What should we do? In Cairo, they say you are the cause, and in Damascus, they say Mubarak is the cause.” He firmly responded, “I will coordinate with President Hafez al-Assad, proposing a practical step to test who is the cause of this. He sought permission for a few minutes and quickly returned, stating that he had contacted the president, and he agreed to allocate the Syrian presidential plane to transport all members of the Egyptian delegation, including both media and lawyers. He added that he would request the Egyptian presidency to open the airspace to receive the plane, making it the responsibility of Egypt and not Syria.
What happened? After two or three days from this meeting, all members of the Egyptian delegation were notified that the Syrian presidential plane would take off directly to Cairo, carrying everyone. Amid everyone’s joy, considering the challenges faced during the journey to Damascus and Amman, Jordan, we wondered: Have Egyptian-Syrian relations been restored? What if Cairo refuses to receive the Syrian plane? Will it return to start the return journey by land from Amman? What happened and is happening? Many questions arose. Despite our astonishment at what was coming, President Hafez al-Assad ordered the plane to take off to Cairo. He instructed officials to contact President Mubarak’s office about what had occurred and held him responsible for not receiving the plane, which carried the Egyptian delegation. A Syrian delegation accompanying the plane, led by Dr. Ahmed Helwani, Deputy Minister of Information in Syria at that time, would return with the presidential plane. Cairo had no choice but to open its airspace for the Syrian plane. Egyptian-Syrian relations were restored the next day, following the meeting of the Egyptian media delegation with the Vice President, in accordance with President Hafez al-Assad’s instructions. This is a page from the book of memories of Arab unity for me, confirming that Egyptian-Syrian relations are the backbone of the Arab nation. I hope for an urgent Egyptian initiative to revoke Morsi and the Brotherhood’s decision to sever ties between the two countries and immediately send the Egyptian ambassador to Damascus!