The non secular chief of the Druze neighborhood expressed Syrians’ need to determine a state that upholds the rule of regulation, embraces all its residents and safeguards Syria’s sovereignty each inside and past its borders.
“Syrians want the establishment of a state that upholds the rule of law, is inclusive of all its people … and where everyone feels like a citizen,” Hikmet Selman al-Hijri informed Anadolu.
He stated that minorities in Syria had not skilled such sectarian divisions till Bashar al-Assad’s regime got here to energy.
“The Syrian regime promoted itself with labels such as a national, revolutionary, and that as if it protects the rights of the people of the region. These slogans were merely a facade to cover up its policies,” he stated.
“The concept of minorities was exploited by the regime to guarantee and maintain its power. The truth is, Syrians, historically, have lived in harmony regardless of their identities. We, as Syrians united in our citizenship, defined ourselves without considering sectarian, ethnic, or religious differences,” al-Hijri added.
His residence is positioned within the metropolis of Suwayda, southeast of Damascus, the place nearly all of the inhabitants is Christian, however individuals from different sects and ethnic teams additionally reside.
Al-Hijri hosted a delegation of tribal leaders who visited him following the collapse of the 61-year-old Baath regime.
Traditional bitter espresso was served to the guests, whereas Maajid Radwan, a tribal chief from Suwayda, recited a poem celebrating the autumn of the regime.
During the go to, the corridor was crammed with calm as condolence messages have been learn for many who have been tortured, disappeared and misplaced their lives whereas in jail because of the crimes dedicated by the ousted regime.
Referring to the Baath regime, al-Hijri stated: “Syria has come out of a 60-year colonial period.” He emphasised that the Syrian individuals’s resolution to unite and overthrow the tyranny was the best one.
Al-Hijri identified that the Assad regime “thrived on spreading discord among the people” and added that with the autumn of the regime, “the people are celebrating and regaining their dignity.”
He additionally highlighted that the instability created by the collapsed regime has not solely affected Syrians but in addition neighboring nations, together with Türkiye.
– Expectation of democratic state, structure
Al-Hijri expressed his approval of the institution of a transitional authorities to deal with Syria’s financial system, administration, and safety.
However, he careworn {that a} future authorities shouldn’t be based mostly on sectarian, ethnic, or group supremacy, as this is able to result in failure not just for Syria however for each nation within the area.
“We demand the establishment of a civil and democratic state, with a constitution that guarantees the rights and dignity of all Syrians while respecting the diversity of society,” he stated.
Al-Hijri referred to as for the help of regional and neighboring nations, in addition to worldwide organizations such because the UN, to assist set up a civil state that may serve the individuals of Syria.
– Israel’s enlargement in Golan Heights
In response to questions on Israel’s increasing occupation of the Golan Heights, which it has managed since 1967, and the presence of some Druze villages within the space, al-Hijri reiterated that Syrians search stability in their very own land and area.
“The issue of border delimitation should be left to the UN. At this stage, the most important matter for us is the establishment of a civil state that possesses diplomatic legitimacy to accurately define the borders and meet the needs of the Syrian people,” he stated.
Al-Hijri underlined that the Golan Heights “historically belongs to Syria” and that the instability brought on by the collapsed regime has led to safety crises in each western and japanese Syria.
He highlighted the necessity for Syria to guard and respect each its personal borders and people of its neighboring nations.
Al-Hijri additionally famous that international militias and mercenaries have been utilizing Syrian territory for proxy wars.
“We, as Syrians, do not want war, we do not seek it; we want peace. I speak on behalf of the Druze people—our slogan is peace, both internally and globally. These issues must be resolved through diplomacy and international decisions,” he added.
“We must remain calm at this stage to correct regional security violations. These security violations are affecting not only Syria and the Golan Heights but all the countries in the region. Therefore, to establish a Syria that acts in accordance with international resolutions and law, we must work together not just within Syria, but also on a regional and international level,” he stated.
– Call for regional cooperation to convey stability to Syria
The Druze non secular chief thanked all those that stood by the Syrian individuals.
He underscored that the Baath regime, by bringing in mercenaries and militias from exterior, exported instability not solely to Syria but in addition to neighboring nations.
Al-Hijri referred to as for cooperation among the many nations which have supported Syria, together with Lebanon, Iraq, Jordan and influential nations within the area like Türkiye, to work collectively to show the area right into a zone of stability.
“The biggest challenge ahead is the establishment of a Syrian state. This should be a state based on the rule of law, civil in title, respectful of all colors, and promoting a culture of coexistence and cooperation both internally and externally,” he concluded.
Source: www.anews.com.tr