Former Syrian Vice President Abdel Halim Khaddam highlighted that “the United States and Russia, the two major countries, have agreed to convene a conference in Geneva to find a negotiated solution to the bloody crisis in Syria. These countries have surpassed the immense bloodshed caused by the brutal aggression of Bashar al-Assad, a serial killer leading an authoritarian regime.” He noted that “Moscow has declared its refusal to let opposition forces play a leading role in Syria, as stated by the US Secretary of State. The conference may lead to a mutually agreed-upon solution between the regime and the opposition.”
Khaddam believed that “the two countries have disregarded the aspirations of the Syrian people to achieve liberation, overthrow the regime, and hold accountable those responsible for the crimes of murder, extermination, and humiliation.” He argued that “the participation of the National Coalition or any Syrian delegation representing the opposition will have grave consequences, leading to further complexity in the Syrian situation.” He emphasized that “any participation that deviates from the objectives of the revolution and the struggle for change and the establishment of a democratic civil state, where citizens are equal in rights and responsibilities, is extremely perilous. Moreover, opposition groups desiring to participate in the conference must be convinced that they cannot achieve the aspirations of the Syrian people since the sponsoring countries of the conference have decided not to topple the regime but rather involve some opponents in the government.”
He pointed out that “the tyrant Bashar al-Assad clings to power, and if he is compelled to relinquish it, he will not step away from the political scene. He will utilize the armed forces, security services, and his loyalists within the state apparatus to manipulate any situation arising from the Geneva conference.” He expressed hope that “some of the opposition members participating in the Geneva conference will recognize that they are contributing to a highly dangerous situation in the country. The vast majority of Syrians are civilians or armed groups, and the Free Army will not allow this international game to pass unchallenged. They will not allow a second catastrophe following the tragedy in Palestine.”
He called upon “all our brothers in the opposition to work towards organizing a comprehensive national conference that includes all factions of the Syrian opposition committed to overthrowing the regime. The aim should be to unite forces and efforts and focus on saving Syria, protecting its people, toppling the deadly authoritarian regime, and establishing a government that truly represents the will of the people.”
