Omar Alghabra, Canada’s Special Envoy for Syria, emphasizes the importance of preventing ‘darker forces’ from taking control amidst rising violence. He advocates for global engagement to support democratic governance and civil society in Syria while expressing hope for positive change. Canada’s bond with Syrian refugees enhances its commitment to this mission.
Omar Alghabra, Canada’s newly appointed Special Envoy for Syria, underscored the urgent need to prevent “darker forces” from taking control of Syria during an interview on The West Block. He emphasized that the recent surge in violence and civilian casualties clearly indicate the necessity for global engagement to secure peace and stability within the region.
Alghabra, who serves as the Liberal member of Parliament for Mississauga Centre, reported directly to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly. He pointed out that over the past few days, violent clashes have resulted in the death of more than 1,000 individuals, including 750 civilians, along with displacements of families from various villages in Syria.
He noted that as Russian and Iranian influence recedes following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, it is crucial to maintain a vigilant eye on Syria’s future governance. Alghabra addressed the necessity of eliminating negative external influences that could undermine the interests of the Syrian people.
In a recent conference with the new Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alghabra expressed optimism about the potential for a civil society-based Syria while also emphasizing the importance of accountability from the Syrian government. He conveyed, “The best way to do this is give them a chance,” indicating that slight adjustments to sanctions could help facilitate progress.
Moreover, Alghabra highlighted the importance of supporting civil society to foster governance and democratic practices within Syria. He also expressed confidence in the capacity of the Syrian people to rebuild their nation despite uncertainties regarding their current leadership.
Notably, Ahmed al-Sharaa, who now leads Syria, oversees Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, an entity designated as a terrorist organization by Canada since 2013. Alghabra mentioned the special connection Canada shares with Syria, owing to the successful integration of over 100,000 Syrian refugees who have rebuilt their lives in Canada.
Alghabra affirmed Canada’s commitment to collaborating with international partners to develop a constitutional framework and facilitate elections for a new government, emphasizing that these efforts must prioritize the welfare of the Syrian people and maintain a robust civil society.
In conclusion, Canada’s Special Envoy for Syria, Omar Alghabra, highlights the critical need to engage actively in support of a stable, democratic Syria amidst increasing violence. By advocating for the adjustment of sanctions and bolstering civil society, Canada aims to ensure that Syria’s potential for democracy is realized, benefiting both the nation and the Syrian people. The strong bond between Canada and Syrian refugees further fuels Canada’s commitment to aid in this process.
Original Source: globalnews.ca
