An increase in mortal violence in Syria highlights the need to ensure that “darker forces” do not take over the country with difficulties and worsen the conditions within it, says the new special envoy of Canada there.
Omar Alghabra, Appointed special envoy for Syria Last month, he made the comments during an appearance in The west block with the host Mercedes Stevenson.
Alghabra is the liberal member of Parliament for the Mississauga Center. As a special envoy of Syria, he informs Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Melanie Joly.
Alghabra said that the withdrawal of militants backed by Russian and Iranian after the Assad regime fell, and they face them among competitive interests since then stand out precisely why the world must closely monitor events in Syria.
“This weekend we saw a tremendous violence, that made many civilians pay the price, ”he said
“This is exactly the reason why the world needs to commit to ensure that the darkest forces do not take care of Syria and inflict damage to the Syrian people and the region,” said Alghabra.
In recent days, vests Among the security forces of the Syrian Government and the loyal Syrian president expelled Bashar al-Assad And the revenge murders that followed have left more than 1,000 dead people, including 750 civilians, within Syria.
Other dead included 125 members of the Syrian Government Security Force and 148 militants with armed groups affiliated with former dictator Assad. The families have been displaced from several villages, said the Syrian Observatory of Human Rights based in Britain to Associated Press.
Reinforcement Syrian security forces are deployed in Latakia, Syria, on Friday, March 7, 2025.
Omar Albam / Associated Press
“Look, after the fall of the Assad regime, Iran and Russia have certainly been in retirement. And we must ensure that any external influence that is negative, which is not for the benefit of the region or the Syrian people, ensure that there is enough immunity within the Syrian government, Syrian civil society to reject such foreign interference, “Alghabra added.
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Alghabra revealed that he and Joly met with the new Syrian Foreign Minister at a conference two weeks ago in Paris. The majority of European and Middle East political leaders attended.
“We had conversations about his vision for Syria. All I can tell you is that I am listening to many of the right things. Much of the correct vision, the commitment to have an inclusive Syria and based on civil society. That said, we must hold this government responsible, ”said Alghabra.
The special envoy said that Canada must ensure that Syria does not miss this opportunity to have a democracy. “And the best way to do it is to give them a chance,” he added.
This can be achieved by adjusting and relieving some of the sanctions against Syria, while holding the new government for the results, Alghabra explained in the program.
Canada and other nations can also offer additional support, he said.
“Upon discovering how to support civil society, giving them advice on how to develop governance and democracy, and make sure that they are already, that they are Syrian peoples do not remain alone because I have great confidence in the Syrian people,” Alghabra said.
“However, we have questioning signs about this government. And the best way to do it is to strengthen civil society and support its effort to have a democratic and stable Syria. “
Ahmed al-Sharaa, who now leads Syria, also leads Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a group of Canada has included as a terrorist organization since 2013. The group once was affiliated with Al-Qaida, but since then it has denounced its old ties.
Alghabra, a Syrian Canadian from Saudi Arabia, said that Canada has a special link with Syria and the Syrians after this country welcomed more than 100,000 refugees who escaped from the civil war and that is promoting its diplomatic efforts.
“Tens of thousands of Canadian families opened their doors and their hearts to Syrian families that escape violence,” Alghabra said.
“The Syrians have integrated into Canada. They have created businesses that become professionals, doctors, nurses and are qualified workers. And there is a special link that exists between Canada and Syria that is really promoting our desire to do good for Syria. “
Alghabra said that Canada is working with its international partners and local allies in a multipro -effort to complete constitutional studies, develop a framework for public governance and organize elections to select members for a new government.
“Everything that has not yet been done, and we monitor it. We are also working with our partners and our allies in civil society to ensure that it is made for the benefit of the Syrian people. “
With a Associated Press file.
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