An increase in fatal violence in Syria highlights the need to guarantee that “darker forces” do not take care of the country in difficulty and aggravate the conditions inside, says the new special envoy of Canada.
Omar Alghabra, Appointed Special Envoy for Syria Last month, made these remarks during an appearance on The western block With the Mercedes Stevenson host.
Alghabra is the liberal deputy for the center of Mississauga. As special for Syria, he is Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Minister of Foreign Affairs Melanie Joly.
Alghabra said that the retirement of Russian activists and supported by Iran after the fall of the Assad regime, and the clashes between competing interests, since then, highlight precisely why the world must closely monitor the events in Syria.
“”This weekend, we saw enormous violence that many civilians had paid the price, “he said
“This is exactly the reason why the world must commit to ensuring that the darker forces do not take control of Syria and do not inflict damage to the Syrian people and the region,” said Alghabra.
In the past few days, clashes between the security forces of the Syrian government and the loyalists of The Syrian President ousted Bashar al-Assad And the murders of revenge that followed have left more than 1,000 people, including 750 civilians, inside Syria.
Other dead included 125 members of the Syrian government security force and 148 activists with armed groups affiliated with former dictator Assad. Families have been moved from several villages, said the Syrian Observatory based in Britain to Human Rights at the Associated Press.
Strengthening Syrian security forces deployed in Latakia, Syria, Friday, March 7, 2025.
Omar Albam / Associated Press
“Look, after the fall of the Assad regime, Iran and Russia were certainly retired. And we must ensure that any external influence which is negative, which is not for the benefit of the Syrian region or people, ensure that there is enough immunity within the Syrian government, of Syrian civil society to reject such foreign interference, “added Alghabra.
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Alghabra revealed that he and Joly met the new The Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs at a conference two weeks ago in Paris. It was followed by most European political leaders and the Middle East.
“We have had conversations on their vision of Syria. All I can tell you is that I hear a lot of good things. A large part of good vision, the commitment to have inclusive Syria and based on civil society. That said, we have to keep this government responsible, “said Alghabra.
The special envoy said Canada should make sure that Syria is not lacking in the shooting. “And the best way to do it is to give them a chance,” he added.
This can be accomplished by adjusting and relaxing some of the sanctions against Syria, while holding the new government responsible for the results, said Alghabra in the program.
Canada and other nations can also provide additional support, he said.
“By determining how to support civil society, by providing them with advice on how to build governance and, and of democracy, and to ensure that, you know, that they are the Syrian people themselves are not left alone because I have great confidence, confidence in the Syrian people,” said Alghabra.
“However, we have question points on this government. And the best way to do so is to strengthen civil society and support their efforts to have democratic and stable syria. »»
Ahmed Al-Sharaa, who now directs Syria, also leads Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham, a group that Canada has been listed as a terrorist organization since 2013. The group was once affiliated with Al-Qaida but has since denounced its former links.
Alghabra, a Syrian Canadian born Saudi, said Canada has a special link with Syria and the Syrians after this country welcomed more than 100,000 refugees who escaped the civil war and stimulates its diplomatic efforts.
“Tens of thousands of Canadian families have opened their doors and their hearts to Syrian families who escape violence,” said Alghabra.
“Syrians have integrated in Canada. They have built businesses that become professionals, doctors, nurses and skilled workers. And there is a special bond that exists between Canada and Syria that really feed our desire to do good through Syria. »»
Alghabra said Canada is working with its international partners and local allies on a long -term effort to complete constitutional studies, develop a public governance framework and organize elections to select members of a new government.
“Everything that has not yet been done, and we monitor it. We also certainly work with our partners and our allies in civil society to ensure that this is done for the benefit of the Syrian people. »»
With a file from the Associated Press.
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