Former Syrian Vice President Abdul-Halim Khaddam claimed yesterday that he is “fully convinced” that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad “gave the order” to assassinate former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. This statement echoes the remarks made by French President Jacques Chirac, who mentioned that “the time of impunity is over” regarding Syria.
Responding to a question about whether he believes Assad “gave the order” for Hariri’s assassination, Khaddam told the French radio “Europe 1,” “Yes, I am fully convinced of that.” He mentioned that he informed the international investigation committee, which he met with its chief Detlev Mehlis last week, that “such a decision is made only by the head of state.” He added, “No security officer can make such a decision on his own (…) because it requires significant resources.”
Regarding whether Assad made the decision to assassinate with his associates like “his brother and brother-in-law,” Khaddam said, “Yes, (he did) with a group from the regime surrounding him.” He believed that Assad “will be judged,” describing Hariri’s assassination as a “political crime.” He said, “I heard the president repeatedly speaking against Hariri.”
In a comparison between the current Syrian president and his father, Khaddam stated that “Hafez al-Assad used his intellect and listened to others,” while “Bashar is emotional, weak, and loves money.” He added, “He is emotional, makes decisions without knowing their consequences, is influenced by those around him, and never makes a decision based on study.” He said, “He is disturbed, anxious, sleeps very little, and is constantly agitated.”