“Syrian Vice President Abdul Halim Khaddam emphasized that the new Qatari leadership, which will be elected, has many tasks ahead of it, foremost among them being the search for ways to solidify the leadership’s role. This is because the country is in need of change, development, and updating to keep up with the global developments.
Khaddam was responding to interventions and comments from members of the political committee arising from the 9th Qatari conference of the ruling Ba’ath Party, currently being held here.
He reaffirmed his country’s consistent stance on the justice of peace and its comprehensiveness if Israel responds to Syria’s demands, which include implementing international legitimacy resolutions and the land-for-peace principle, as well as Israel’s withdrawal to the June 4th, 1967 lines.
He added that Syria is committed to the peaceful process as a strategic choice if the suitable conditions are met to achieve it. He also noted that Syria faces a difficult and long struggle due to the continuous evolution on the international stage. Therefore, it must work to fortify itself against risks, keep up with developments, and benefit from everything new and contemporary.
Regarding the current Arab situation, he said that this situation is “troubling” due to the antagonistic policies that endorse conflicts and ignite disputes among Arab states to serve Israel’s interests. He affirmed that Syria will continue to call for Arab solidarity and work to improve Arab-Arab relations.
He continued by saying, ‘We are aware of the dangers posed against the Arab nation through conspiracies to keep it preoccupied with its disputes and deplete its resources. We call for Arab partnerships in all fields.'”
He continued, “The stumbling of the Arab national project was due to a lack of vision among some. We are working to build this project that aligns with domestic, Arab, and international policies, seeking to establish the best relations with countries that support the Arab cause.”
In the internal realm, he affirmed the necessity to reconsider working methods, ensuring that the masses, through their democratic and popular institutions, have the right to choice and participation.
He called for the formulation of a comprehensive economic program that guarantees the country’s economic prosperity, achieves balance among societal segments, strengthens the roles of both the public and private sectors, opens opportunities for investments, and develops banking and financial services.
He also called for a reevaluation of the party’s relationship with the executive authority, stating that “leadership belongs to the party, while practice belongs to the government.” This is aimed at creating space for the leadership to play a supervisory role.
Khaddam reaffirmed standing alongside Bashar al-Assad’s team in his leadership role in the upcoming phase, as it requires cooperation, work, and sincerity from everyone.
Last night, the conference unanimously decided to elect Bashar al-Assad as the president of the party and the country, succeeding his father.