Abdel Halim Khaddam, the former vice president of Syria, spoke from Paris, stating that the Syrian regime is currently unable to continue and is only prolonging its existence through repression and killings. He predicted that the regime will collapse within a few months. Khaddam emphasized that the Syrian army is showing signs of fragmentation and weariness. Loyal officers are questioning the direction led by Bashar Al-Assad, his brother Maher, and their family. During an interview with the Egyptian channel “Al Hayat 1” from Paris, Khaddam highlighted that Assad is attempting to maintain an appearance of strength, but he fears that his fate will mirror that of tyrants in other countries. On the other hand, the Syrian people possess the resilience and determination to continue their struggle against the regime. Khaddam drew parallels between the call for Arab forces to be sent to Syria and the situation in Lebanon during the civil war, suggesting that such a move would perpetuate bloodshed and grant the regime further opportunities to carry out atrocities against innocent civilians.
Khaddam asserted that the Syrian crisis can only be resolved through international intervention. He stressed the need for major countries to feel pressured to make an international decision and address the dire situation in Syria. He expressed rejection of the proposal for Arab intervention, both in its form and substance. Khaddam stated that when major countries perceive the Arab League as hesitant and incapable of making decisive actions, they are unlikely to intervene and resolve the crisis. He emphasized the Arab League’s role in exerting pressure on major countries to form an international coalition that can take military action to address the Syrian crisis.
Meanwhile, Moscow presented a revised draft resolution on Syria, which was discussed by members of the Security Council at the Russian mission to the United Nations. The Russian draft resolution meets two key demands of Western powers. The first demand involves the imposition or threat of sanctions against Syria unless it complies with the terms outlined in the draft. However, the Russian draft disregards the second Western demand, which relates to imposing an arms embargo on the Syrian regime. Experts, including Western diplomats, note that the Russian proposal lacks a clear condemnation of the brutal crackdown by President Bashar al-Assad’s regime against the popular protests demanding democracy and the regime’s departure in the country.
The amended draft resolution introduced by Moscow includes denunciation of human rights violations and the use of excessive force against peaceful protesters. It calls for an end to violence by all parties, regardless of its origin, and urges Damascus to fulfill its obligations as defined by international laws. The resolution also emphasizes the importance of allowing free operation of international media, cooperating with the Commission for Human Rights, releasing all detainees, and granting access to detention facilities for the Red Cross and independent organizations. Additionally, it calls for the implementation of the Arab League initiative, including facilitating the work of observers, ensuring their protection, and providing immunity for their collaborators.