“Abdul Halim Khaddam, the dissident Syrian vice president, delivered a speech to the participants of the conference on human rights and Kurdish national democracy, held yesterday, Monday, at the U.S. Senate in Washington. During his speech at the conference, Khaddam stated that it is taking place at a time when the country is going through a challenging period due to the misguided policies of the regime, characterized by isolation, exclusion, and discrimination against various components of the Syrian people, especially our Kurdish brothers.
Khaddam added, ‘There is no doubt that they have been severely affected by these practices, which constitute a dark spot in the policies of this regime,’ emphasizing that diversity in Syria is a source of strength and that for many generations, this diversity has shaped a shared history at various stages. No one can discuss the history of the Crusades without mentioning Salah ad-Din al-Ayyubi, just as one cannot talk about the revolutions in Syria for independence without mentioning Ibrahim Hanano. The history of the struggle for independence within the national movement cannot be mentioned without acknowledging the number of Kurdish leaders involved.
Khaddam further added, ‘There is no doubt that the policy of isolation, exclusion, and discrimination has been a factor of weakness for the country and has contributed to weakening national unity.’ He emphasized that our struggle to build a democratic state where citizens are free from fear and injustice, feel like partners in the nation and its institutions, and participate in determining its affairs is a task that we must all undertake to eliminate all sources of injustice and oppression and to foster a sense of national responsibility.
Khaddam stated, ‘Know, brothers, that diversity in Syria, as elsewhere, is a strength for the nation, but if this diversity turns into conflict, it becomes a source of weakness for the nation and its children, regardless of their religious, sectarian, ethnic, or tribal affiliations.’ He added, ‘You are gathering in the United States, the most powerful, largest, and most diverse nation in terms of origins, religions, and beliefs. Diversity is a strength for it. However, imagine the fate of this great country if diversity were to turn into conflict, whether at the federal or state level.’
Khaddam emphasized the call to work together hand in hand to enrich the diversity of our homeland, in order to build a state where security, hope, and stability prevail for all its citizens. He expressed his wishes for the success of the conference in its mission to strengthen Syria’s path towards democracy and freedom.
Salah Badreddine, who delivered Khaddam’s speech at the conference, mentioned that he had recently met with Khaddam in Paris, where he explained that the Kurds stand alongside the Arabs and that the Kurds in Iraq serve as a safety valve for uniting all trends and sects in Iraq. He also highlighted that our presence in the new Syria will be a safeguard for Syrian unity.”
