Mr. Abdel Halim Khaddam’s message regarding de Mistura’s initiative for a political solution to the bloody crisis in Syria:
In modern times, the world has not witnessed a ruler who kills his own people, destroys his country, disperses his citizens, confiscates public and individual freedoms, and damages the national economy like the tyrant Bashar Al-Assad. He has utilized the armed forces and security services to massacre his own citizens, devastate the nation, open prison doors, and spread corruption.
Injustice, oppression, and starvation are key factors that provoke hatred and resentment against the regime, which has committed further crimes by exploiting sectarian and ethnic divisions and inciting minorities. These actions have torn the country apart and fostered conflicts among citizens, all while the tyrant fails to realize the danger he has placed Syria in.
At the heart of the bloody events, the United States of America and Russia agreed to convene a conference to seek a resolution to the tragedy perpetrated by the tyrant Bashar Al-Assad. The Geneva conference was held in late June 2012 and included numerous European and Arab countries, in addition to the conference organizers.
After extensive discussions, the conference reached an agreement on a document called the Geneva Document 1, aimed at addressing the Syrian crisis. The document encompassed several principles intended to solve the crisis, although some of these principles faced objections not only from the Syrian people but also from the two supervising countries.
The United States of America announced that the document would remove Bashar Al-Assad from power, while the Russian Federation expressed commitment to Bashar Al-Assad’s survival.
The controversial article is as follows: “The establishment of a transitional governing body that can create a neutral environment in which the transitional process can take place. The transitional governing body shall exercise full executive powers and may include members of the current government, the opposition, and other groups. Its formation must be based on mutual consent.”
This text contains an ambiguity that hinders it. Firstly, the document grants the transitional body full executive powers, but it does not address the head of state who, under the Syrian Constitution, holds absolute legislative and executive authority. This omission disrupts the entire document if all parties fail to reach an agreement on this article. Secondly, the draft does not specify the process for selecting opposition representatives, determining the mentioned third party, or achieving balance in the group’s actions.
This text presents an ambiguity that hampers its clarity. Firstly, the document grants the transitional body full executive powers, but it fails to address the head of state who, according to the Syrian Constitution, possesses absolute legislative and executive powers. This is particularly crucial since the article, if not agreed upon by all parties, disrupts the entire document.
Secondly, the draft does not specify the procedure for selecting opposition representatives, determining the mentioned third party, or achieving balance in the actions of the group.
The draft also includes the following paragraph:
“The continuation of government institutions and competent employees is essential. It is necessary to maintain or restore the functioning of public services, including the armed forces and security services. However, all government institutions, including intelligence services, must adhere to human rights and professional standards, operating under trusted senior leadership accountable to the transitional governing body.”
Undoubtedly, the goal of the Syrian people is not to overthrow the Syrian state, as the state and the political system are separate matters. The objective is to dismantle the political system, which does not imply the dissolution of state institutions. Instead, they must be reformed and cleansed. If this does not occur and the security services, army, and intelligence agencies remain unchanged, it may lead to the regime’s resurgence through a military coup. Bashar al-Assad does not need to return, but an example can be appointed. However, this will result in the collapse of the new institution, the proliferation of chaos in the country, and the growth of extremism.
This text should have been concluded with the principle of holding accountable those who have committed crimes of murder, destruction, and corruption. Not everyone who served in the state is responsible for its policies, but individuals within the state structure have lost their ability to uphold the line that safeguards the country’s interests. This line should be determined by the people through free elections.
If holding elections is not feasible, a comprehensive national conference will be convened, involving all parties representing the Syrian people, including their national, religious, and political components, who have opposed the authoritarian regime and worked towards its overthrow.
After four and a half years of killings and destruction, major countries have taken steps to find a solution to the Syrian crisis, but they remain divided. The United States has announced the possibility of a political solution in the presence of the tyrant Bashar, while Russia has indicated the potential for political leadership in the absence of Bashar al-Assad. In this context, a UN official, Mr. Staffan de Mistura, appointed by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, has been tasked with seeking a political solution. Although he has no prior experience with the United Nations in the Middle East or the Syrian file, he presented a draft that was unanimously adopted by the UN Security Council without thorough discussion, despite having several gaps that hinder its implementation.
There are significant gaps in the project:
Firstly, the project has preserved the presence of Bashar al-Assad and his regime, disregarding the bloodshed of hundreds of thousands of Syrians, as well as the destruction and suffering endured by the Syrian people.
Secondly, the project would result in the dismantling of Syria’s demographic and geographical integrity, establishing government organizations known as “cantons” to manage each section.
Thirdly, the project primarily focuses on the situation of minorities.
According to this project, Syria would be divided into multiple states: one in the Sahel, one in Damascus, one in Aleppo, one in the eastern regions, and one in central Syria, including Homs and Hama.
I appeal passionately to the people of Syria and political organizations, including the National Coalition, to recognize the seriousness of this project. The ultimate goal is to dismantle Syria, a nation that upholds the principles of justice, truth, and equality found in Islam and other heavenly religions, and a nation that has witnessed the efforts of Syrians extend to the borders of China and southern Europe.
Throughout their extensive history, Syrians have been known for their coexistence among religious, sectarian, national, and political components of society. This coexistence is a precious legacy deeply ingrained in the hearts and minds of Syrians.
The dismantling of Syria is not only perilous for the Syrian people but will also have repercussions for other Arab and Islamic countries.
Brothers,
We must be cautious of those who claim to be working in the best interests of the Syrian people while pursuing different agendas elsewhere.
No individual Syrian has the right to unilaterally decide on national matters since mistakes in such issues can have profound consequences for the country.
The de Mistura project poses a significant risk, and we should all strive to avoid falling into this trap. Our beloved country, dear citizens, is in grave danger and requires the collective efforts of all of us. I implore you to set aside your differences and unite your endeavors to save Syria, our homeland, and the Syria of the people.
May God guide us all towards what is best for our people and our nation.
Abdel Halim Khaddam
