Canada’s Special Envoy for Syria, Omar Alghabra, stresses the need to prevent darker forces from taking over Syria amid a surge in violence. He advocates for international engagement and adjusts sanctions while emphasizing support for civil society to achieve democracy. Alghabra highlights the bond between Canada and Syrian refugees as a driving force behind these diplomatic efforts.
The recent surge in violence in Syria emphasizes the urgent necessity to prevent “darker forces” from seizing control of the nation, as stated by Canada’s newly appointed Special Envoy for Syria, Omar Alghabra. During a segment on The West Block with Mercedes Stevenson, Alghabra, a Liberal MP, affirmed his responsibility to report directly to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly regarding the tumultuous situation in Syria.
Alghabra highlighted the escalating violence, which recently resulted in over 1,000 fatalities, including 750 civilians, attributed to clashes between Syrian government forces and factions loyal to the ousted Assad regime. He indicated that this violence underscores the importance of global engagement to prevent harmful influences from exacerbating the plight of the Syrian people and the surrounding region.
He commented on the need to maintain protective barriers within the Syrian government and society against any detrimental foreign influence that might arise from the retreat of Iranian and Russian forces. In a recent meeting with Syria’s new foreign minister in Paris, Alghabra noted a promising vision for Syria’s future focused on civil society and inclusive governance, albeit underscoring the need for accountability from the Syrian government.
Alghabra articulated Canada’s commitment to assist in achieving a democratic Syria, suggesting adjustments to existing sanctions paired with rigorous accountability measures. Furthermore, he proposed that international support be directed towards civil society initiatives and governance development to empower the Syrian people.
Alghabra acknowledged Qatar al-Sharaa’s leadership of the Syrian government, which is tied to the terrorist-listed Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group. He reiterated the special relationship between Canada and Syria, particularly following the resettlement of over 100,000 Syrian refugees in Canada and their successful integration into Canadian society.
The Canadian government is actively collaborating with international partners to facilitate constitutional discussions, create a governance framework, and plan democratic elections in Syria, with a focus on ensuring any efforts benefit the Syrian populace.
In summary, Canada’s Special Envoy for Syria, Omar Alghabra, emphasizes the critical need to prevent the emergence of negative forces in Syria following recent violence. Canada seeks to assist Syria in achieving democracy through adjusted sanctions, support for civil society, and collaborative efforts to foster governance structures. The unique bond between Canada and Syrian refugees drives Canada’s dedication to a stable and inclusive Syria.
Original Source: globalnews.ca
