Sanharib Barsoum: Military escalation threatens Syria’s unity

Al-Jazira Canton and Kobani are facing continuous attacks amid escalating military tensions, raising concerns about their repercussions on social and humanitarian stability.

Sanharib Barsoum, Co-Chair of the Syriac Union Party and a member of the negotiation committee with the interim government, told ANHA Agency that the reasons behind these attacks are multiple, including internal, regional, and international factors.

Barsoum questioned the reasons for obstructing the March 10 Agreement, noting that media narratives promoted the idea that the obstruction was caused by the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Autonomous Administration. He stressed that the truth is entirely different, explaining that the governmental side delayed and stalled the implementation of the agreement’s provisions.

He added that this raises serious questions about the genuine willingness to reach a real solution, whether for the issue of North and East Syria or for the issues of Syria’s components in general, pointing to the absence of solutions to many unresolved internal issues in Syria.

Barsoum noted that what is being proposed today is the imposition of a centralist system, whether through peaceful means or by force, emphasizing that Syrians originally rose up against a despotic central system that controlled the fate of the country. He stressed that imposing centralism can only be achieved at the expense of Syrian blood, which would bring disasters upon everyone.

He explained that previous negotiations included discussions on regional authorities and expanded powers that would enable peoples to express themselves and manage their own affairs, instead of imposing decisions from the center on the provinces, within the framework of local administrations.

He considered that this fundamental disagreement is now being addressed through the military option, especially against the people of Al-Jazira, who have succeeded in building a model of coexistence, which is being targeted through policies aimed at creating division and strife among the components.

Rejection of the Military Option

Barsoum affirmed the Syriac Union Party’s rejection of these attacks and its categorical rejection of the military option and war, stressing adherence to dialogue and negotiation as the only choice. He said that the party’s position from day one has been to call for dialogue with the interim government to resolve the issues of components, regional issues, and the issues of peoples.

He added that all Syrian issues must be resolved through peaceful solutions and negotiation, affirming the continuation of this approach, as it is the path that preserves Syria’s unity and its people, and achieves real partnership in building the country’s future.

Barsoum explained that violations and incidents caused by “Syrian army factions” in several Syrian areas have created real fears among the peoples of the region, pushing them to support the resistance of security and military forces to protect their areas.

He considered this support natural within the framework of self-defense, as peoples stand by resistance forces to defend themselves and their land, stressing that sovereignty cannot be imposed by force, but through dialogue and achieving integration, not through the military option whose greatest cost is paid by civilians.

How Can These Attacks Be Stopped?

Barsoum stressed the importance of dialogue and negotiation on all points, pointing to the January 18 Agreement and the necessity of serious discussions to properly implement its provisions in a way that serves the interests of both sides. He considered this path the only peaceful solution to spare the region war and conflict.

He addressed the international community, particularly the United States, which plays an important role in Syria, calling on it to play a fair role that contributes to reaching mediated solutions between the Syrian Democratic Forces and the interim government—solutions that are rational, peaceful, and that entrench democracy in the country.

He also appealed to international organizations to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to the displaced people who have taken refuge in Al-Jazira Canton from Aleppo, Afrin, and Raqqa.

ANHA