Lebanon is a country without a government and is under the occupation of Hezbollah.
Former Syrian Vice President and head of the opposition National Salvation Front, Abdul Halim Khaddam, stated that there are consultations taking place within Syria to establish a transitional council to manage the confrontation with President Bashar al-Assad’s regime politically.
In an interview with Radio Sawa, broadcast on Friday, Khaddam explained that these consultations are happening among civilian circles within the country, excluding any potential role for the Syrian military institution in this matter.
Khaddam predicted the imminent fall of the Assad regime due to the determination of the Syrian people to peacefully protest despite the numerous killings, injuries, arrests, and intimidation they face.
He urged the international community to increase pressure on the Syrian regime, rejecting the possibility of any dialogue presented by Damascus, whether official or popular, as impossible while people are being slaughtered.
Lebanon Without a Government
Khaddam also commented on the situation in Lebanon, stating that Lebanon has no government and has turned into a state occupied by Hezbollah. He denied any role for himself or his followers in the alleged resignation of the Syrian Ambassador to Paris, Lamia Shakkour.
Regarding the sanctions imposed by the European Union, Khaddam viewed them as a step in the right direction towards saving the Syrian people and restoring stability to the region. He hoped that these sanctions would lead to more pressure on the regime, ultimately achieving the goals of protecting and empowering the Syrian people and their aspirations for a democratic state.
Khaddam emphasized that the ball is now in the regime’s court, which he accused of committing murder and atrocities.
Impending Fall
When asked about the timeframe for the expected change in Syria, Khaddam believed that the regime is just steps away from falling. He noted the Syrian people’s determination to peacefully protest despite the killings, injuries, arrests, and intimidation they endure, and the increasing international pressure.
Furthermore, the sanctions being discussed will further exacerbate the regime’s economic, political, and other challenges, limiting its ability to withstand. Khaddam also mentioned that there are many questions within the armed forces about the objectives of the crimes being committed and where Syria or the military forces are heading. All these factors will lead to a new situation in Syria, reflecting the genuine aspirations of Syrians to build a democratic state where citizens are equal in rights and duties regardless of religion, sect, race, or gender.
No Dialogue with Those Who Slaughter People
Regarding the regime’s call for dialogue, Khaddam stated that such talks have no weight or impact. He criticized the regime for attempting dialogue while people are being killed. He expressed disbelief that anyone would accept a dialogue with a regime responsible for thousands of deaths, violations, and humiliation of people. He considered the regime’s attempts as mere games to buy time, highlighting Bashar al-Assad’s speeches as evidence of his intention to continue repression and killing.
Khaddam also denied the claims by Hezbollah about his role in the alleged resignation of the Syrian Ambassador to Paris, Lamia Shakkour. He emphasized that such claims are fabricated lies. He further mentioned that various false stories have been circulated about his meetings with European, American, or Israeli officials, which he categorically denied. He concluded by asserting that Iran practically occupies Lebanon and Syria, and this explains the continuous lies spread by Hezbollah and its affiliates.
No Possibility of Civil War
Regarding his expectations for a change in Russia’s stance on the events in Syria, he mentioned that there are some Syrian opposition figures who are based outside Syria and in the United States, and they intend to travel to Moscow to explain the Syrian crisis to Russian leadership. However, he believes that this attempt will have no impact because the situation in Syria is influenced by multiple factors. Moscow’s approach contradicts humanitarian values and international agreements.
Khaddam completely ruled out the possibility of a civil war in Syria. He stated that there is only one party engaged in a civil war, and that is the regime, which has turned the Syrian military, originally established to defend the homeland, into an occupying force. He described how the army is now occupying cities and villages, engaging in arrests, assassinations, and torture. Thus, there are two sides in this conflict: one, the aggressor and occupier committing crimes, and the other, the victim defending its values and principles. The Syrian revolution does not intend to turn to violence, as that would have grave and dangerous consequences for Syria and the region, potentially fueling extremism.
Finally, regarding the Lebanese government, Khaddam stated that there is no government in Lebanon. He added that the country is no longer an independent and sovereign state; it has been occupied and has lost its sovereignty and legitimacy to Hezbollah. How can a government be described as Lebanese when it came into power by force of arms? He expressed concerns that the new government will not benefit Lebanon at all; on the contrary, its damages might be much greater than those of any previous government.
