Canada’s Special Envoy Urges Action Against Extremism in Syria

Omar Alghabra, Canada’s Special Envoy for Syria, emphasizes the importance of preventing ‘darker forces’ from taking over Syria amid recent violence resulting in over 1,000 deaths, including many civilians. He advocates for adjustments to sanctions, accountability for the new government, and support for Syrian civil society to enhance governance and democratic processes, rooted in Canada’s bond with the Syrian community.

A significant surge in violence in Syria underscores the urgency of preventing unfavorable forces from taking control of the country, as emphasized by Canada’s newly appointed Special Envoy for Syria, Omar Alghabra. During an interview on The West Block with Mercedes Stevenson, Alghabra, who serves under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly, discussed the implications of the unrest following the retreat of Russian and Iranian-backed militants after the fall of the Assad regime.

Alghabra indicated that recent clashes have resulted in a tragic toll, with over 1,000 fatalities, including 750 civilians. He pointed out, “This weekend we saw tremendous violence, that had that many civilians pay the price for,” illustrating the need for global engagement to safeguard the Syrian populace against detrimental influences.

Reflecting on the geopolitical dynamics, he noted the concerning retreat of Iranian and Russian forces and highlighted the necessity for a resilient Syrian government capable of resisting external negative influences on its sovereignty. Alghabra recently attended a conference in Paris where discussions about the future of Syria took place, providing optimism regarding the possibility of establishing an inclusive society there.

He stressed that to prevent Syria from missing an opportunity for democracy, Canada should consider adjusting some sanctions while holding the new government accountable. Alghabra elucidated, “The best way to do this is give them a chance,” advocating for increased support and guidance for civil society to empower governance and democracy.

Ahmed al-Sharaa, now leading Syria, heads Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, an entity designated as a terrorist organization in Canada. Despite these concerns, Alghabra reiterated the special relationship Canada shares with Syria, built on its acceptance of over 100,000 Syrian refugees. He acknowledged the significant contributions of the Syrian community to Canada, emphasizing the mutual bond driving Canada’s diplomatic initiatives towards Syria.

Alghabra conveyed that Canada is collaborating with international partners to strengthen Syrian governance and facilitate democratic elections, ensuring that efforts directly benefit the Syrian people, thereby fostering long-term stability in the region.

In conclusion, Canada’s Special Envoy for Syria, Omar Alghabra, has underscored the critical need to prevent extremist forces from dominating Syria amidst escalating violence. He advocates for support and accountability measures for the new Syrian government, emphasizing constructive international engagement. Canada’s historical connection to Syria through its refugee policy enhances its diplomatic efforts aimed at fostering a democratic and stable future for the country.

Original Source: globalnews.ca