Former Syrian Vice President Abdel Halim Khaddam stated that the fate of Lebanon is intertwined with the fate of Syria. “If the regime falls in Syria, Lebanon will be liberated.”
During the founding meeting of the “National Committee to Support the Syrian Revolution” in Paris, Khaddam spoke with Al-Nahar newspaper, emphasizing that the Lebanese people should recognize the connection between the destinies of Syria and Lebanon. He explained that if the current regime falls, Lebanon will regain its freedom. He further stated, “Lebanon today is under occupation by Iran. If this regime in Syria continues, the occupation will continue to suffocate the Lebanese people.”
According to Khaddam, there is currently no independent state in Lebanon, as authority belongs to Hezbollah. He argued that it is impossible to talk about the Lebanese state and its institutions when President Michel Suleiman, Army Commander General Jean Kahwaji, Prime Minister Najib Mikati, and other institutions operate under the umbrella of Hezbollah.
Responding to a question about what could happen in Lebanon if Syria remains unreleased, Khaddam told Al-Nahar, “Syria will be free.”
Khaddam stated that the situation in Syria would likely result in an armed conflict with the regime rather than a civil war, as there is limited interaction among people. Regarding whether the conflict between the authority and the revolution in Syria could spill over into Lebanon, Khaddam mentioned that it depends on the determination of the Lebanese opposition. He highlighted the interconnected fate of both countries and emphasized that Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad personally makes decisions that can be volatile.
Khaddam addressed the Syrian people, expressing his belief that the regime is on the verge of collapse due to the fearless youth of Syria. He offered his services to the Syrian revolution, stating that he is not an alternative to the revolution and the people but rather a part of it.
He presented various means to help the revolution achieve its goals, which include overthrowing the regime and holding its civil and military leaders accountable. These means range from peaceful revolution to the possibility of arming the movement. He acknowledged the challenges of continuing the peaceful movement, considering the confrontation with one of the region’s largest armies. He also mentioned the possibility of military personnel groups supporting the revolution.
Khaddam called for international military intervention similar to the intervention in Libya, as he believed that the regime is more brutal than any foreign occupation. He criticized the regime for aligning with Iran, which, in his view, has no legitimate connection to Syria and has exerted dominance across the region from Lebanon to the Gulf.
