In an exclusive interview with “Al Arabiyah,” Abdel Halim Khaddam, former Syrian vice president and current opposition member, emphasized that the Syrian army has transformed into an occupying force, leaving no alternative but to overthrow the current regime. He noted that the nature of the regime is based on killing and repression, making dialogue impossible. Thousands of citizens have been killed and injured during the protests that started last March.
Khaddam stated that he personally knows the army and believes that its national spirit will recover. The army will not remain in its current position and will soon find itself facing a dead end. It will break up on a national basis, rather than on a sectarian basis.
He added that the Syrian people, after 40 years of repression, were like a quiet volcano, and the use of force led to the eruption of the current volcano. With regards to the current opposition, Khaddam mentioned that no one can claim to represent the Syrian people. There is no mandate from the people, and the regime is over, making any talks futile. However, the people who are moving will produce the leadership that will lead the country’s affairs.
Abdel Halim Khaddam discussed the international position on Syria, noting that it has evolved from silence to several stages. Several countries, including France and the United States, have stated that the regime has lost its ability to continue or legitimacy. Khaddam emphasized that the Baath Party does not lead, but the decisions are made by Bashar and Maher Al-Assad. He ruled out any possibility of change from within the regime and called for the establishment of a new system and a move to a democratic process where power will be exchanged peacefully.
Regarding his previous statements about forming a transitional council, Khaddam mentioned that consultations are taking place to form a political structure that supports the revolution’s goals and contributes to achieving them. He stressed that the current opposition is peaceful and that any turning it into an armed opposition depends on the international and Arab position and Israel.
Khaddam denied reports that he had sent weapons into Syria, especially to his hometown of Baniyas. He pointed out that there are people who have committed crimes that should be tried, and the army was divided with officers who refused to release the demonstrators who were shot. He also denied reports of the presence of armed Islamic elements, stating that this information was fabricated to serve the regime.
Khaddam believes that the change in the structure of the regime and the transformation in Syria will create a more stable situation instead of disorder and chaos. He emphasized that there are no Salafists in Syria, indicating that there was a small group created by the regime and sent to Nahr Al-Bared. In his role, Khaddam said that Israel has nothing in the Syrian issue and all it is working on is trying to maintain the regime.
