Syrian Vice President Abdul Halim Khaddam affirmed that there is no intention on the part of Syria to militarily support the Iraqis. He added that Syria’s stance emphasizes the necessity for the Iraqis to govern themselves.
Khaddam’s confirmation came during a press conference held today here, attended by Minister of Information Ahmad al-Hassan, on the occasion of the thirty-third anniversary of the corrective movement carried out by the late President Hafez al-Assad.
In response to journalists’ questions about Syria’s military support for Iraqis or whether Iraqi delegations requested such assistance, he stated that Syria has clearly declared its policy that it wants the occupation of Iraq to end, security and stability to return to the country, and for the Iraqi people to govern themselves. He further added that the Iraqis do not seek military or financial aid; they seek support through Arab solidarity and international platforms for their cause, without the need for military assistance. Syria has no decision to intervene in the internal affairs of the Iraqi people or to support them militarily. Khaddam also addressed a question regarding the visit of the current Iraqi Governing Council President, Jalal Talabani, to Syria, stating, “We requested a postponement of the visit because there are several matters we want to discuss before this visit takes place.” Responding to a question about the Syrian Accountability Act recently passed by the U.S. Congress, he remarked, “It is a law concerning the United States, and this decision would matter to us if there were significant interests between us and America. Economic relations are very limited, and there is no trade or aid to Syria from the United States or its allied friendly countries, and this matter did not preoccupy us.” Regarding threats, he said, “We hear threats every week and every day, which we consider part of the psychological war launched against Syria by the U.S. Congress and Israel. We are not worried or afraid of these threats; those who want to declare, will declare, and those who want to fight, will fight. However, when a war happens, every event will speak for itself, and we will not lose our composure whether there is war or not.” He mentioned that threats against Syria are not new, as they have faced threats and pressures continuously in the past, which is something they are accustomed to. In case these threats turn into action, they will confront them with all their available resources. However, he stressed that the matter goes beyond being a psychological war to pressure Syria, and he conveyed a message to their brothers: “Worry about Syria but do not fear for it. We use the best gift God has given us, which is reason, and when we use it, we can overcome anything that harms us. Syria’s constants are not subject to negotiation or discussion.” In response to a question, Khaddam said, “I do not believe that the Iraqi resistance is the creation of the former regime. We have no information about the parties behind this resistance, and it is not the product of any faction or party.” He also mentioned how Kuwait was occupied by the former Iraqi regime, and despite the years that have passed, Kuwaitis still talk about it because occupation is not an easy matter, and people cannot forget it, as there is no price higher than freedom. He continued, “No one can ask Iraqis to either commit suicide or surrender. They decide the future opportunity for themselves, but occupation is repugnant to the people of the world.”
Regarding the possibility of a Kurdish state in northern Iraq, Khaddam stated that objectively, the possibility of establishing a Kurdish state is not feasible. However, he mentioned that all Kurdish leaders emphasize that their ambition does not lie outside the framework of the Iraqi state. The Syrian Vice President added, “Even if someone managed to establish such a state, how can it survive when it would be surrounded by what remains of Iraq? There’s also Syria, Turkey, and Iran. These countries would oppose its division. We must distinguish between separation and the establishment of a state, as well as addressing the injustice that the Kurds in northern Iraq have suffered. It’s important to ensure equality in citizenship in Iraq, and we are not concerned about that.”
In response to a question about Syria’s lack of response to the Israeli attack on it last month, Khaddam said, “We decide whether the response is useful or not, and we determine when confrontation serves our interests and when aggression harms us.” He further explained that this attack was a political message and not part of a major military operation, saying, “They provoke us on one hand, and we provoke them on the other.” Regarding recent bombings in Turkey that targeted Jewish synagogues, Khaddam stated that “such bombings are completely rejected and condemned. They do not serve any political purpose, whether directed at a Jewish or non-Jewish synagogue. Syria is working to improve its relations with Turkey to the fullest extent possible, and we have sensed from Turkish leadership and military officials through repeated meetings that Turkey desires and is determined to develop serious relations with Syria and Arab countries. Such events will not affect the Syrian-Turkish direction.”
On the subject of relations between Syria and the United States, Khaddam mentioned that “the relations are tense because of the Americans’ initiative for tension.” He explained that after the events of September 11, the Americans sought security cooperation, and Syria cooperated significantly, leading to saving the lives of many Americans. However, the U.S. policy took a different direction later, aligning with Israeli interests. This goes against Syria’s interests, and Syria has not taken any action that harms U.S. interests. He stressed that the tension didn’t come from the Arab side and expressed hope for its resolution.
Regarding the Syrian-Lebanese summit scheduled for tomorrow in Damascus between Presidents Emile Lahoud and Bashar al-Assad, and whether it will discuss the dispute between Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and President Lahoud, Khaddam said that every summit between them is necessary and important. It would provide an opportunity to discuss topics relevant to both Syria and Lebanon. Concerning Lebanon’s internal affairs, he emphasized that Syria does not interfere and that any internal dispute should be discussed within institutions. He added, “We hope that all parties within these institutions cooperate with each other. We wish all Lebanese people realize that national cooperation is necessary in these current circumstances, and differences should be sidelined as they don’t serve any party’s interest.”
In response to a question about Syria’s opinion on renewing the Lebanese president’s term, reelecting him, or having a new presidency, Khaddam stated that “the timing is not appropriate to discuss the presidential elections in Lebanon. There is a year to go, and then God will bring about things you don’t know. In Syria, we advise avoiding discussions about this matter. As for the change of Hariri, I don’t know what President Lahoud will discuss with President al-Assad. Generally, we in Syria want stability and cooperation among various ruling factions in Lebanon on one hand, and between ruling factions and the opposition on the other. This opposition is not contrary to the general line of Lebanese national policy. We should collaborate with everyone for Lebanon’s benefit.”
Regarding the rumored armed clashes that occurred in Banias, Syria on the coast, Khaddam explained that a wanted individual involved in drug smuggling for over twenty years returned to his village near Banias. A security patrol went to arrest him, and he was killed in a collision during the operation.
On the matter of Syrian opposition meeting with U.S. officials, Khaddam commented, “If the Americans are banking on such individuals, God bless them.” He spoke about the Arab situation, saying that Syria will do everything it can to transition the current situation in the Arab world to a new stage through peaceful dialogue with its brothers. This dialogue will help unify their vision of threats and necessary actions. In the Middle East context, Khaddam stated that “the Arabs have made great efforts for peace, but Israel’s policies have blocked all paths. Israel does not want peace; it wants all the land.” He attributed the responsibility for Iraq’s current state to the former regime, stating that its nature and practices led to a sense of danger among Iraqis and developed an anti-homeland sentiment. He noted that all Arabs want to end the occupation, restore sovereignty to Iraq, hold elections under international supervision, and establish a legislative authority that leads to a national government. Syria and some Arab countries are working to transfer all powers to the United Nations. He mentioned that one of the factors contributing to the deterioration of the Arab situation in the past was the occupation of Kuwait, describing it as “the greatest catastrophe and a major blow to the camel’s back.”
Regarding the internal situation, Khaddam mentioned that the new Syrian government has essential tasks related to administrative and economic development. Additionally, the party is extensively studying the issue of political ideology development, as there is no stagnation in Syrian politics. He emphasized that there won’t be any change in principles, but there will be changes in concepts to align with developments and address specific requirements. He pointed out that there will be a meeting of the national leadership after necessary measures are taken by this leadership.
Concerning the opposition in Syria, Khaddam said that there might be differences in viewpoints with some individuals, but when Syria faces threats, there is a unified discourse and stance. He confirmed that there is no internal concern in Syria, and nothing undermines Syrian national unity. In the face of any danger that threatens the country, everyone sets aside their differences to confront it.
