Omar Alghabra, Canada’s Special Envoy for Syria, stresses the risk of” darker forces” taking control amidst escalating violence, calling for international engagement to support civil society and democratic governance, while balancing sanctions and accountability for Syria’s new administration.
Omar Alghabra, Canada’s newly appointed Special Envoy for Syria, emphasized the urgency of preventing “darker forces” from taking control of the tumultuous region. In a recent appearance on The West Block, Alghabra underscored the toll of escalating violence, noting over 1,000 fatalities, including 750 civilians, due to ongoing clashes and vengeance killings following the fall of the Assad regime.
Alghabra asserted the importance of international vigilance in Syria after observing the retreat of Iranian and Russian-backed militants. He remarked, “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.”
He highlighted that Canada should assist Syria in establishing a democratic governance framework. This includes potentially easing certain sanctions while ensuring accountability from the new Syrian government, as Alghabra noted. He conveyed optimism about fostering an inclusive civil society in Syria based on discussions with the new Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Alghabra stressed the need for initiatives supporting civil society, aimed at guiding governance and democratic practices. He expressed confidence in the resilience of the Syrian people but voiced concerns about the current government, led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, who is affiliated with a group on Canada’s terrorism watch list.
Reflecting on Canada’s deep connections to Syria, Alghabra pointed out the significant number of refugees the country has welcomed, stating, “Tens of thousands of Canadian families opened up their doors and their hearts to Syrian families who are escaping violence.” He highlighted the successful integration of Syrians into Canadian society, which strengthens Canada’s commitment to aiding Syria.
The Special Envoy concluded by affirming Canada’s ongoing efforts in collaboration with international and local partners to develop constitutional studies and electoral frameworks, all aimed at benefiting the Syrian populace through a stable governance system.
In summary, Canada’s Special Envoy for Syria, Omar Alghabra, is intent on preventing negative external influences from destabilizing Syria further. He advocates for international engagement, support for civil society, and careful adjustments of sanctions to foster democratic growth in Syria. With a substantial bond formed through refugee support, Canada aims to work collaboratively with global partners to assist in reconstructing a stable governance framework for the benefit of the Syrian people.
Original Source: globalnews.ca
