Esquerra Republicana: The fall of al-Assad's dictatorship, an opportunity for change for Syria

The Catalan party Esquerra Republicana said in a statement that "the fall of Bashar al-Assad's dictatorship is an opportunity for change for Syria.


ANF
BARCELONA
Tuesday, 10 December 2024

The Catalan party Esquerra Republicana issued a statement on the fall of the Syrian regime.

The statement said that "the fall of Bashar al-Assad's dictatorship is an opportunity for change for Syria, a regime that has brutally repressed its own people for decades. Given proper support, this should open the door to a new phase that could lead to the reconstruction. However, the victory of the Islamist militias of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the extremist group that has consolidated control over major areas of the country, raises uncertainty in a country with diverse ethnic and religious minorities."

The statement added: "It is essential that the future of Syria be decided by the Syrians, without interference from foreign powers such as the United States, Russia, Turkey, Israel or Iran. All of them have used the country as a geopolitical chessboard, often ignoring the suffering of the civilian population. The latest events are a reminder that the war in Gaza and the West Bank cannot be understood without a broader understanding of the conflict; war begets more war, and its effects spread, bringing devastation and instability throughout the region.

Peace and reconstruction will only be possible if the international community prioritizes human rights, the well-being of the Syrian people and respect for their sovereignty. This new chapter must be an opportunity to guarantee a future of freedom, justice and coexistence for all people living in Syria, regardless of their identity, religion or origin. That is why we reiterate our commitment to peace and solidarity with the Syrian people on this path replete with challenges, but also opportunities."

The statement continued: "It is essential to deliberate on the future of Syria in its entirety, recognizing and respecting its extraordinary ethnic, cultural and religious diversity; the Kurdish, Arab, Armenian, Assyrian and Turkmen communities, as well as the religious minorities of Christians, Shiites, and Alawites. Only by guaranteeing a project of coexistence based on respect for all these minorities will it finally be possible to ensure peace and justice in a country inordinately punished by war and devastation.

In this regard, we wish to highlight the project for coexistence of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), a model based on equality, democracy and the defence of the rights of all minorities. This endeavour is an inspiration that can offer solutions for the rest of Syria. At Esquerra Republicana, we feel especially committed to the Kurdish community in its fight for a dignified future that respects human values, and we will always be at their side.

Finally, we wish to reiterate the importance of protecting the rights of ethnic and religious minorities, who have suffered persecution and excessive violence. Their diversity is not only a treasure for Syria, but also for all of humanity.

It is the responsibility of the international community to work for a Syria in peace, where life, dignity and diversity are protected. Esquerra Republicana will offer our unconditional support to these principles in all those institutions where we are represented."