Syria has declared its firm rejection of the American-British call to overthrow the regime of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein and warned against any attempt in this regard that threatens international security and peace. The Syrian Vice President, Abdul Halim Khaddam, stated during his meeting with Iranian Vice President Hassan Habibi in Damascus that it is not within the rights of any country to declare or act upon changing the internal situation and domestic affairs of another country, as this falls under the authority of the people. He added that the people are the ones with the power and decision-making capacity to bring about change.
Responding to questions about Western calls for regime change in Iraq, Khaddam emphasized that this proposal is dangerous because if such a principle were established, it would threaten international security and peace anywhere in the world. He noted that all Arab countries and the entire world reject this principle.
Khaddam also pointed out that the joint Syrian-Iranian committee, led by Syrian Prime Minister Mahmoud Al-Zu’bi and Hassan Habibi, will discuss the developments concerning Iraq, as it impacts the region. He expressed that these discussions would lead to a shared vision that serves the interests of security and stability in the region, as well as the unity and peace of Iraq. He stressed that the concern is that events that could lead to disintegration or affect the national, political, or geographical unity of countries must not occur, as these issues serve the Israeli plan aimed at dismantling the Arab and Islamic worlds.
Regarding Syrian-Turkish relations following the crisis caused by Turkey accusing Damascus of supporting the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and threatening military action, Khaddam stated that matters have returned to normal after the signing of the security agreement between the two countries, which stipulates not providing support to the PKK. He added that the agreement is being implemented smoothly, and they are satisfied with its execution.
Khaddam explained that the meetings of the high-level Syrian-Iranian committee are regular sessions where issues and developments, including the Arab-Israeli conflict, are discussed. He mentioned that they also discuss matters relevant to the region and the world, as well as bilateral relations, aiming to serve the interests of both nations, the region’s peoples, and Muslims. He noted that since Iran leads the Islamic Conference, it’s natural to review matters concerning the Islamic world and their implications.
In response, the Iranian Vice President mentioned that the meeting is like other regular sessions that occur in Tehran and Damascus, where they discuss common interests in various fields, such as bilateral issues, regional and international matters. He stressed the importance of coordination between the two countries on regional issues of concern, including the Palestinian cause and the Iraq issue, in addition to economic and cultural relations.
