Omar Alghabra, Canada’s new Special Envoy for Syria, highlights the urgency of preventing extremist forces from dominating the country amid rising violence. He calls for international monitoring and support for Syrian civil society, advocating for an accountable government and the easing of certain sanctions to foster democracy. Alghabra underscores Canada’s historical bond with Syrian refugees as a driving force behind diplomatic efforts.
Omar Alghabra, Canada’s newly appointed Special Envoy for Syria, has emphasized the imperative of preventing “darker forces” from taking over the conflict-afflicted nation. His statements were made during a recent interview on The West Block, where he articulated the impact of escalating violence on civilians, noting that over 1,000 people, including 750 civilians, had died in recent clashes.
The ongoing conflict has drawn attention to the retreat of Iranian and Russian-backed militants since the Assad regime’s decline. Alghabra underlined the necessity for international vigilance to protect the Syrian populace from further strife and foreign interference. He remarked, “After the fall of the Assad regime, certainly Iran and Russia have been in retreat.”
Alghabra also recounted a recent meeting with the new Syrian foreign minister, which was attended by numerous European and Middle Eastern leaders. He expressed optimism about the emerging vision for Syria but stressed the need for accountability in the new government. He asserted, “We need to hold this government accountable.”
Canada, according to Alghabra, should not miss the opportunity to aid Syria’s democratic aspirations. He suggested that easing certain sanctions, while ensuring the Syrian government demonstrates genuine results, would be beneficial. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of supporting civil society to establish governance and democracy in Syria.
Alghabra highlighted Canada’s historical bond with Syria, stemming from welcoming over 100,000 Syrian refugees and the public’s generosity toward those escaping violence in their homeland. He stated, “There’s a special bond between Canada and Syria that is really fueling our desire to do good by Syria.”
Furthermore, Alghabra outlined Canada’s commitment to collaborating with international partners to facilitate constitutional studies, develop governance frameworks, and organize elections aimed at establishing a stable and inclusive government.
In summary, Canada’s Special Envoy for Syria, Omar Alghabra, has called for proactive measures to prevent the emergence of dangerous factions in Syria. Through international collaboration and support for civil society, Canada aims to assist Syria in achieving democracy while holding its government accountable for progress. The enduring bond between Canada and Syria, spurred by humanitarian efforts, underscores the nation’s commitment to supporting the Syrian people during this tumultuous period.
Original Source: globalnews.ca
