and claims to have information that could shed light on the elimination of Ghazi Kanaan.
Abdel Halim Khaddam, former Syrian Vice President and member of the General Secretariat of the National Salvation Front, has called on Baathists in Syria to carefully consider their options during this crucial period when the country is on the brink of significant change.
In a notable departure from his previous statements, Khaddam now asserts that General Ghazi Kanaan, the former Minister of Interior, was not a victim of suicide, as officially reported. According to Khaddam, Kanaan was eliminated because he possessed crucial information, particularly regarding the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri.
Khaddam had previously made no claims suggesting that Kanaan, who had served as the head of Syrian security and military intelligence in Lebanon for two decades, had been targeted. The Syrian authorities declared Kanaan’s death as suicide in October 2005. However, doubts persist regarding the official account, with even his family releasing statements questioning the circumstances of his demise.
Khaddam letter , addressing members of the ruling party in Syria, delivered the following statement:
“I am sending my second message at a time when our country stands on the precipice of significant change. We are on the brink of ending a corrupt and authoritarian regime that has deviated from the core national, political, partisan, and moral values that Syria has embraced since its independence.”
It is important to note that Abdel Halim Khaddam, who fled Syria seven months ago, was a prominent figure within the regime, contributing to its policies for over four decades.
In his message, he further emphasized, “I reach out to you with this message to urge you to consider your options during this pivotal phase in our nation’s history. You have two choices: standing with the country and its people, or aligning yourself with tyranny and corruption.”
Khaddam issued a warning to the Baathists, saying, “Do not be deceived by those who claim that the party is the leader of society and the state. You are well aware that the ruling family and its security services are the ones governing the state. The role of the leading institutions within the National and Qatari Party is merely to cover up deviations and mistakes. They have only two slogans: ‘In spirit and blood, we disassociate ourselves from you, Bashar, and before him, Hafez,’ and ‘You are the inspiring leader, Mr. President.'”
Khaddam questioned whether anyone believes that this group of national and Qatari leaders, including Abdullah al-Ahmar, Zuhair Mashareqah, Mohammed Saeed Bakhitan, Naji Al-Atari, and others, truly hold decision-making power or have any influence in the administration of the state.
He further urged Baathists to reflect upon the following questions: “Are you content with the widespread corruption in the state? Do you agree with the paralysis in government agencies and institutions? Are you comfortable with the regime’s repression of its citizens? Are you satisfied with the economic policies that have weakened and incapacitated the country? Ask yourselves why the country has reached such a state of collapse and a fracture in national unity. Consider in which party decision or principle did President Hafez al-Assad bestow kingship upon his son, who, along with his family, acts as medieval feudalists do?”
Khaddam continued his questioning, asking, “Are you accountable for the impulsive and reckless political decisions that have caused significant damage to the country? Are these decisions made by party leaders or by an heir who fails to grasp the gravity of his actions and their impact on the nation? Baathists, have you ever wondered why the Golan Heights remain occupied while the south of Lebanon has been liberated? Can a corrupt and unjust regime, which tyrannizes its people, loots their wealth and resources, truly lead the path to liberation?”
Six years ago, Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad assumed office after then Vice President of the Republic, Abdel Halim Khaddam, elevated him to the ranks of a team and commander-in-chief of the army and armed forces. This was accompanied by a decree altering the constitution, reducing the age requirement for presidential candidates from 40 to 34 years, tailored to the new circumstances involving Bashar Al-Assad. Additionally, he was appointed as a member of a Qatari committee within the Baath Party.
Khaddam appealed to the Baathists, stating, “Don’t you, Baathists, realize that the regime’s actions have caused the fragmentation of national unity and the proliferation of divisive ailments? Can a people progress and flourish while being confined by a security apparatus that stifles their potential and vitality? Can a nation confront threats under a system rooted in a culture of death and imprisonment, where killing in prisons is deemed worse than death itself?”
Khaddam addressed the issue of assassinations carried out by the Syrian regime in the past. He raised several questions, asking, “Have you, Baathists, ever questioned why General Mohammed Omran was assassinated in Tripoli? Why was Mr. Salah Al-Bitar assassinated in France? And why was the wife of Mr. Essam Al-Attar assassinated in Germany? Furthermore, why were Salah Jadeed and other party leaders imprisoned and sentenced to death without investigation or trial? Reflect on the reasons behind the countless Syrians who have been killed without due process, including those who lost their lives inside and outside of prisons.”
In a cautionary message to Baathists, Khaddam warned them about meeting a fate similar to Ghazi Kanaan’s. He inquired, “Did you ask yourselves, Baathists, why General Ghazi Kanaan was killed? He was one of the military personnel who contributed to implementing President Hafez al-Assad’s instructions regarding the transfer of power to his son. Ghazi Kanaan was eliminated because he possessed knowledge about the assassination of the late Rafiq Hariri, the identity of those responsible for the killing of former Mufti of Lebanon Sheikh Subhi Al-Saleh and Mr. Kamal Jumblatt, and the attempted assassination of Dr. Hassan Al-Rifai. He also held secrets related to the Madina Bank scandal and possessed files concerning several high-ranking officials connected to the decision-making process and involved in drug trafficking.”
Khaddam called upon both military and civilian personnel to shoulder their national responsibility, align with the people, and contribute to the eradication of a regime that poses a significant threat to the country’s future, national unity, security, and stability.
Despite acknowledging the profound fear instilled by the regime through its security services, Khaddam emphasized that President of the regime and his associates are even more fearful, as they are well aware of their actions and the impending day of accountability.
He further urged Baathists, military personnel, and civilians to unite in their efforts to save the country and liberate the people from the regime’s oppressive grip. Khaddam emphasized that the country’s safety lies in the hands of loyal individuals, and it is their duty to rescue it. By doing so, they would achieve a national triumph and restore the party’s standing, which had been undermined by the regime.
Khaddam encouraged bravery in choosing freedom, dignity, and national unity. He instilled trust in the notion that corrupt and oppressive individuals are cowards who cannot withstand the determination of the people. This was his appeal to Baathists in Syria.
