Former Syrian Vice President Abdel Halim Khaddam warned against the abundance of conferences held by the opposition, describing them as a “negative phenomenon.” However, he emphasized the importance of focusing on the “full side of the glass” since these conferences reflect “the vitality of the movement among Syrians aspiring for change.”
Khaddam, who heads the opposition National Salvation Front, added that any judgment on a conference “must come after the issuance of decisions. If these decisions are made in response to the youth revolution in Syria, that is a good thing and constitutes moral support. However, if they are an attempt at political maneuvering, both inside and outside Syria would reject the results.”
In an interview with “Radio Sawa” conducted by Zaid Benjamin, Khaddam described the idea of forming a Syrian shadow government as “impractical” due to the absence of “any country in the world that would accept hosting such a government to work on overthrowing the regime in another country. This is clear in international relations.”
He stated that historical evidence shows that shadow governments have generally been unsuccessful, except in limited cases. He further emphasized that when the regime starts to collapse, it becomes the responsibility of the opposition to establish a body that has a tangible presence within the country. This body should organize the transition process through conferences or by engaging with national entities to form a transitional government and clearly define its responsibilities.
Abdel Halim Khaddam, the former Syrian Vice President, criticized the divisions within the Syrian opposition over what he referred to as “details” despite their shared slogans like “overthrowing the regime and demanding a pluralistic civil state.”
He stated that any considerations outside the goal of overthrowing the regime are misguided, and Syrians should set aside their political backgrounds and focus solely on achieving change in Syria.
Khaddam further emphasized that individuals with ambitions or political programs should await the post-Bashar al-Assad regime period when elections will be held in Syria. At that time, they can present their programs to the people, who will have the opportunity to choose what aligns with their interests. He cautioned against pursuing personal interests and creating divisions, as it contradicts the principles of national unity.
Khaddam reiterated his call for international intervention in the Syrian crisis, emphasizing the urgent need for the international community to support the Syrian people during this process of change and the transfer of power from one democratic system to another national democratic system. He argued that the Syrian people are facing death, bloodshed, and destruction without proper assistance and called for international involvement in Syria’s internal affairs.
Regarding Nabil al-Araby, the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, Khaddam strongly criticized him for supporting the Assad regime. He accused al-Araby of neglecting the atrocities, destruction, and suffering in Syria, emphasizing that al-Araby’s focus seemed to be solely on Bashar Al-Assad and that his statements had a negative impact. Khaddam called on al-Araby to follow the examples of other Arab leaders who remained committed to national, moral, and the principles of the Arab League Charter.
Khaddam concluded by stating that President Bashar al-Assad demonstrated from the very first week of his rule that he does not heed anyone’s advice, which has led the country to its current crisis. He expressed hope for an imminent resolution to the crisis and predicted the end of al-Assad’s regime soon.
