This week marks the 10th anniversary of the Syrian people’s uprising, one of the waves of protest and clamor for change witnessed by the Arab world over the past 10 years.
Regardless of the nature of the Arab Spring’s evaluation and actual impact, there is a consensus that currently Syria is witnessing collapse as a state, political division, social deterioration, worsening of the living conditions, forced displacement and large-scale migration of its population.
The Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD) documents this sad situation, it stresses the following:
First: The protests started 10 years ago in Syrian cities as peaceful movements asking for political reform, democracy, respect for human rights and an end to tyranny, injustice, and oppression. These political and civil demands were answered with ruthless oppression and rejection, which made the peaceful revolution deviate from its original path.
Second: The unity of the Syrian state, its geography and demographic composition are red lines not to be crossed. Therefore, a strong common Arab stand is essential put paid to attempts to divide the country and infringe on its sovereignty and unity under false excuses, as well as for to protect the rights of all minority, be they ethnic or religious, groups in the country.
Third: A distinction must be made between the legitimate political and civil demands of the peaceful opposition groups and the radical, extreme, and violent groups that exploited the internal political conflict and the weakness of the state and the political powers to take control over the country, threatening the internal and international political solutions.
Fourth: A political solution can only come from the Syrian political and civil authorities, who should arrive at it through dialogue and effective negotiations, and with Arab and international sponsorship. Such a solution should in no way be imposed by foreign actors, some of whom have already a strong military and political presence in Syria, a fact that had very bad implications for the stability and sovereignty of the Syrian state.
Fifth: All Arab and international actors are strongly urged to provide the support needed by the Syrian refugees and displaced people to ensure their safe return home, protect their dignity and help them secure decent life requirements.
ARDD also wishes to remind the world of Syria’s status in the Arab region, of its historic past and present role in the main pan-Arab issues, wishing that this proud country sees an end to the crisis and return to its position as a solid supporter and protector of the Arab nation.
