Mr. Abdel Halim Khaddam’s message to the National Coalition.
Dear members of the National Coalition, greetings.
In my message to you, I made sure to be frank and clear regarding the danger our people and country face, which is caused by the ruling regime led by the serial killer Bashar Al-Assad. This regime receives support from Iran and Russia, while the Arab position remains weak and the international community shows reluctance.
Firstly, when a people face external or internal aggression, they should unite their ranks, mobilize their energies, and set aside personal ambitions and aspirations. The goal should be the same for all people in the face of aggression: to overthrow the deadly regime and hold accountable those responsible for crimes of murder, extermination, displacement, and humiliation.
However, the current situation in Syria is different. There are numerous divisions, blocs, contradictions, and differences occurring while Bashar Al-Assad continues to commit his crimes.
The most dangerous aspect is the widening divisions between revolutionary fighters and members of the military group.
Secondly, the Geneva conference has become a hot topic in the international and Syrian arenas. The agreement between the United States and Russia to hold this conference lacks specific objectives and fails to consider the nature of the aggression against our people. It is no surprise that Russia acts as a partner and protector of the deadly regime, while the United States appears content with issuing statements without taking practical and serious measures to save the Syrian people. Additionally, the participating countries, organizations, and bodies for the conference have not been identified.
I was drawn to leaked information about the coalition’s approval of participation in the Geneva conference. On the other hand, the statements made by several coalition members on Al Arabiyah channel reveal significant confusion.
a) One member announced the coalition’s readiness to engage in talks with Farouq al-Shara, disregarding the fact that Shara holds no authority and that all powers reside with the tyrant Bashar Al-Assad. This member also failed to acknowledge that one of the main objectives that cannot be compromised is to reform the structure of the armed forces and security services responsible for acts of murder and destruction. The continuation of these two institutions, coupled with the continued control of state institutions by regime supporters, will pave the way for Bashar Al-Assad’s return to power through elections held by the transitional government under harsh conditions, which the suffering Syrians endure.
b) The stated goal of forming a transitional government in which Bashar Al-Assad will not be present, but his representatives will make decisions, is untenable. Therefore, the situation will remain dire and dangerous. The formation of this government and subsequent divisions due to differences may lead to an international decision to divide Syria, as seen in the question of Palestine in the late forties.
c) Another member stipulated participating in the Geneva conference to build bridges of trust between the opposition and the regime. Such a statement surprises me. How can bridges of trust be built between a murderous regime that has killed hundreds of thousands of Syrians, displaced and humiliated them, and demolished their villages and cities? Such bridges have not been built in ancient or modern history between a regime that commits murder, extermination, and severe suffering people.
d) A third member stipulated the support of Arab and Islamic countries to agree to participate in the Geneva conference. Can this member explain the capabilities Arab and Islamic countries possess in order to implement their guarantee?
Thirdly, I hope the coalition does not act based on the assumption that it represents and leads the people for two reasons. Firstly, the coalition cannot assume this responsibility, and secondly, the reality on the ground does not support it. The Syrian people will intensify divisions in the country and strengthen the deadly regime. Representation has two sources: either through popular elections or by holding a national conference that includes representatives of all Syrian fighting forces Without exception, military organizations, political forces, and a number of competent and knowledgeable people should be included in the national conference.
The holding of this conference has become an urgent national necessity to save our people on the one hand and to assess the current situation, including the issue of the Geneva conference. The conference must assume its responsibility to accept or reject it, ensuring that isolation does not result in painful and adverse conditions.
We must clearly recognize that the regime and its supporters are united in committing their crimes, while the revolutionary forces are dispersed and fragmented.
The perilous situation and the hidden conflict against Syria can only be confronted through the unity of the Syrian people.
I will send this message to all components under possible circumstances.
Finally, I pray to God to help us come together, shield us from harm, and assist our people.
Abdul Halim Khaddam
