Canada’s Special Envoy Urges Vigilance Against Extremism in Syria

Omar Alghabra, Canada’s Special Envoy for Syria, warns against “darker forces” taking control amid a resurgence of violence. Recent clashes have left over 1,000 dead, prompting a call for increased international engagement. Alghabra advocates for supporting Syria’s democratic aspirations while reassessing sanctions to bolster civil society. Canada’s historical ties with the Syrian community fuel its diplomatic efforts.

Omar Alghabra, Canada’s new Special Envoy for Syria, has emphasized the importance of preventing “darker forces” from taking control of the conflict-ridden country. During an appearance on The West Block, he discussed the surge of violence resulting from clashes between government forces and loyalists of former President Bashar al-Assad, which have led to the deaths of over 1,000 individuals, including 750 civilians. Alghabra asserted that the international community must remain engaged to protect the Syrian populace from further damage.

Alghabra articulated that the withdrawal of Russian and Iranian-backed militants following the Assad regime’s fall underscores the necessity for vigilant monitoring of Syria’s situation. He stated, “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.” Recent violent episodes, including revenge killings, have triggered displacement among families in multiple villages, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

During a recent conference in Paris, Alghabra and Minister of Foreign Affairs Melanie Joly met with the new Syrian foreign affairs minister, exploring a vision for a more inclusive civil society in Syria. He noted the importance of holding the Syrian government accountable and maintaining a path toward democracy. To facilitate this, he proposed reassessing certain sanctions against Syria, provided that the government demonstrates progress toward democratic governance.

Alghabra highlighted Canada’s commitment to aid Syria in establishing a stable democracy by supporting civil society initiatives and providing governance-building advice. He expressed confidence in the capabilities of the Syrian people but maintained concerns regarding the current government’s intentions. Canada’s longstanding relationship with Syria has been strengthened through the resettlement of over 100,000 Syrian refugees who have integrated successfully into Canadian society.

Alghabra acknowledged the special bond between Canada and Syria, noting the contributions of Syrians to the Canadian economy as professionals and skilled workers. He reiterated Canada’s collaborative efforts with international partners to advance constitutional studies, establish a public governance framework, and organize elections for a new government while ensuring that these initiatives benefit the Syrian people.

In conclusion, Omar Alghabra, as Canada’s Special Envoy for Syria, urges an active global engagement to prevent extremist forces from dominating the region amidst rising violence. He underscores the importance of supporting a democratic framework in Syria while reassessing sanctions to assist the Syrian population. Canada’s historical connection with Syrian refugees serves as a driving force behind its diplomatic approach, emphasizing the commitment to developing a stable and inclusive society for the Syrian people.

Original Source: globalnews.ca