Former Syrian Vice President Abdel Halim Khaddam has highlighted that “Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, erred in sending an envoy to execute a plan aimed at resolving the Syrian crisis.”
Khaddam clarified that “this error stems from granting international legitimacy to the Syrian regime, which goes against the principles outlined in the United Nations Charter. The Charter condemns dictatorial regimes that deny their people the right to self-determination. The envoy’s project is in conflict with the legitimate rights of the Syrian people.”
He emphasized that “the project, as announced by the international envoy, focuses solely on halting the fighting in a portion of Aleppo city, while the regime’s military forces continue to employ all means of force at their disposal, with the backing of Russia and Iran.”
Khaddam underscored that “if this project is tabled, it will lead to an escalation of extremism, the fragmentation of Syria’s geographical and political unity, and evoke memories of the plight of the Palestinian people and the role played by certain major countries in exacerbating their suffering.”
He pointed out that “during World War II, the Syrian regime occupied parts of Europe. Patriots who resisted the aggression transformed into freedom fighters and took up arms to confront the Nazi armies. These groups encompassed individuals from the right and left political spectrums. Is it fair to brand them as extremists? Those who defend their people, their freedom, and the sanctity of their homeland are warriors deserving of respect and appreciation. Therefore, it is crucial for all of us to strive for Syrian unity and the unity of fighters in order to save our nation and restore freedom, justice, and equality through a democratic system.”
He emphasized that “the mission of the UN envoy does not align with the suffering and rights of the Syrian people, as this project failed to consider the unity of the Syrian population and their right to self-determination. Consequently, I firmly believe that none of the Syrians can cooperate with this project due to its objectives, which contradict our national aspirations.”