Former Syrian Vice President Abdel Halim Khaddam has announced his efforts to establish a government in exile, expressing his confidence in President Bashar al-Assad’s imminent resignation within the current year. Khaddam’s son, Jihad, has denied reports from official Syrian sources claiming that French authorities have requested his father to leave the country for any Arab nation.
In an interview published in this week’s issue of the German magazine Der Spiegel, Khaddam affirmed his intention to form a government in exile, stating, “This is true, and I will welcome any political group that adheres to the principles of the democratic process in this government.” He emphasized his readiness to collaborate with Islamic leaders, whom he described as integral to the diverse Islamic tapestry that defines our nation and the Baath Party.
Khaddam clarified that one should not make the same mistake with the Syrian Baath Party that the Americans made with the Iraqi Baath Party. He believes that the majority of Baathists in Syria have long turned against the regime and witness its daily shortcomings.
Khaddam predicted that Bashar al-Assad’s days in power are numbered, asserting that Syria is currently governed exclusively by the president’s family, operating like a band of thieves. He added, “The downfall has already commenced, and I do not believe the regime will survive beyond this year.”
Furthermore, Khaddam reaffirmed his conviction that Assad was the one who ordered the assassination of former President Rafik Hariri, referring to him as a reckless individual who frequently loses his composure.
Jihad Khaddam, on behalf of his father, announced that Abdel Halim Khaddam will remain in France and has no plans to relocate to Saudi Arabia. He dismissed any claims of harassment from the French government, highlighting that these reports are misleading and propagated by the Syrian regime.
