Canada’s new special envoy to Syria, Omar Alghabra, expressed concern over the recent surge of deadly violence in the country. He emphasized the importance of preventing “darker forces” from taking over and worsening the already dire situation in Syria. Alghabra mentioned the retreat of Russian and Iranian-backed militants after the fall of the Assad regime, as well as ongoing clashes between various interests in the region, as reasons to closely monitor the events in Syria to prevent further harm to civilians.
The recent clashes between Syrian government security forces and loyalists of ousted President Bashar al-Assad have resulted in over 1,000 deaths, including civilians, security force members, and militants. Families have been displaced from several villages, adding to the humanitarian crisis in the region. Alghabra highlighted the need to prevent negative external influences from interfering in Syria and ensure that the Syrian government and civil society have the strength to reject such interference.
Alghabra and Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly recently met with the new Syrian minister of foreign affairs in Paris, where they discussed Syria’s vision for the future. Alghabra expressed optimism about the commitment to an inclusive, civil society-based Syria but stressed the importance of holding the government accountable. He suggested that easing some sanctions against Syria while providing support and guidance for civil society could help the country transition to a democratic and stable state.
Canada’s diplomatic efforts towards Syria are driven by the special bond between the two countries, especially after Canada welcomed over 100,000 Syrian refugees during the civil war. Alghabra emphasized the positive impact Syrian refugees have had in Canada, contributing to various sectors of society. He stated that Canada, along with international partners, is working on constitutional studies, frameworks for public governance, and organizing elections to establish a new government in Syria, with a focus on benefiting the Syrian people.
Despite the challenges ahead, including concerns about the current government’s leader also heading a listed terrorist organization, Alghabra remains hopeful about the potential for a better future for Syria. He believes that supporting civil society and strengthening democratic institutions will be crucial in building a stable and inclusive Syria. By working with allies and monitoring developments closely, Canada aims to ensure that the transition to a new government in Syria is done in a way that benefits all Syrians.
Overall, Alghabra’s role as special envoy for Syria focuses on promoting peace, stability, and democracy in the country while preventing external interference and negative influences. Canada’s commitment to supporting Syria is rooted in the special bond between the two nations and the positive impact Syrian refugees have had in Canada. By engaging with local allies, international partners, and civil society, Canada hopes to contribute to a successful transition to a new government in Syria that prioritizes the well-being and interests of the Syrian people.
