Canada’s Special Envoy Highlights Urgent Need to Support Syria’s Democratic Aspirations
Omar Alghabra, Canada’s Special Envoy for Syria, stresses the need to prevent “darker forces” from overtaking Syria amidst escalating violence. He advocates for international monitoring and support for Syrian civil society to foster democracy. Alghabra notes past Canadian efforts to support Syrian refugees and highlights the importance of holding the new government accountable as Canada collaborates with global partners for democratic governance.
Canada’s new special envoy for Syria, Omar Alghabra, emphasizes the urgency in preventing “darker forces” from seizing control in Syria amid recent escalated violence. Appointed last month, Alghabra reports directly to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly. He expressed concern for the stability of the region and the need for international vigilance in monitoring Syria, given the destabilization caused by competing factions since the fall of the Assad regime.
Recent reports from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights indicated over 1,000 fatalities in clashes, with 750 civilians among the casualties. Alghabra articulated the necessity of global engagement to deter violent influences from harming the Syrian population further. He noted, “This is exactly the reason why the world needs to engage to ensure that darker forces do not take over Syria and inflict damage on the Syrian people and on the region.”
In further discussions, Alghabra revealed meetings with Syria’s new foreign affairs minister in Paris, where the dialogue focused on building a civil-society-based Syria. He highlighted the shared vision for an inclusive society but stressed the importance of holding the government accountable to further democratic ideals. Alghabra believes Canada can play a constructive role by recalibrating sanctions and enhancing support for Syria’s civil society.
Alghabra emphasized that the best chance for democracy will come from empowering Syrian citizens and institutions. He supports engaging with civil society to help establish governance frameworks and promote elections. Despite concerns over the leadership of Ahmed al-Sharaa, who heads a group previously associated with al-Qaida, Alghabra remains hopeful about the capabilities of the Syrian people, reflecting on Canada’s commitment through accepting over 100,000 Syrian refugees.
He noted that many Syrians have successfully integrated into Canadian society, reinforcing the cultural bonds between Canada and Syria. In conjunction with global partners, Canada aims to support drafting Syria’s constitution, facilitating public governance, and organizing elections to solidify a democratic government, ensuring these developments benefit the Syrian populace in the long term.
Omar Alghabra, Canada’s Special Envoy for Syria, underscores the need to prevent violent factions from gaining control in Syria as violence escalates. He advocates for international involvement and emphasizes the importance of supporting Syrian civil society to achieve democracy. Holding the new government accountable, easing sanctions cautiously, and fostering community integration are pivotal for a stable and inclusive Syria. Canada aims to facilitate governance and democratic processes in collaboration with its allies, reaffirming its commitment to the Syrian people.
Original Source: globalnews.ca
