Sheikh Maqsoud, Ashrafieh Council: Road closures crime against humanity

The council underlined that the residents of both neighborhoods have legitimate constitutional demands, representing communities that have sacrificed lives in pursuit of dignity and freedom.

In a statement delivered on behalf of the residents from in front of the barriers erected by the Syrian Interim Government forces, Nouri Sheikho, Co-President of the General Council, said that daily negotiations have been taking place to restore security and stability in the two neighborhoods.

However, he noted that the outcomes have been contrary to expectations.

He emphasized that while the world continues to progress socially and economically, Syria is witnessing the opposite — with road closures and the imposition of sieges.

Sheikho called for the immediate reopening of all roads and removal of the barriers, holding the Syrian Interim Government responsible for the actions of its forces. He described the blockade of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh as a crime against humanity, affirming that “no force can isolate Sheikh Maqsoud from its surroundings.”

For her part, Hevin Suleiman, Co-President of the Council, declared that the residents will “resist until the end and will not surrender.” She stressed that the Kurdish, Arab, Syriac, and Armenian components of the two neighborhoods are united in demanding their legitimate constitutional rights and have sacrificed martyrs to live with dignity and freedom in a unified Syria. She reiterated the call to remove the barriers and reopen the roads.

Protests by the residents of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh continue in front of the earthen berms and barriers erected earlier in the day by the Syrian Interim Government forces. Demonstrators affirmed that they will not return to their homes until all roads are reopened.

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ANHA