The leader of the Syrian Interim Administration, Ahmed Al-Sharaa, expressed his appreciation and admiration for Pope Francis, stressing that Christians are not a minority in Syria, because they are an integral part of the country and played an important role in its history.
The Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore Romano published an article written by the deputy of the Custody of the Holy Land, Franciscan priest Ibrahim Feltz, following his meeting with Al-Sharaa in Damascus.
Father Feltz wrote that the new leader of Syria, Ahmed Al-Shara, answered in this way a question regarding his view of the Christian groups in Syria, especially the tasks carried out by the “Guardian of the Holy Land” in the region.
Feltz confirmed that Al-Julani tried to benefit from this meeting to express his appreciation and respect for Pope Francis, and that he is a true man of peace. He pointed out that he greatly valued the Supreme Pontiff’s calls and actions for the benefit of peace and the interest of the peoples.
Feltz continued that the meeting he had with Al-Sharaa was a private meeting, which included two priests from the Franciscan Order, and he added that he formed the idea of Al-Sharaa that he is “a man open to dialogue, and he touched on the changes that will achieve stability in Syria, and will lead to democratic balances, with special attention to rights.” essential for the Syrian people.
Al-Sharaa assured his interlocutor that “the Syrian people suffered for many years from the consequences of corruption that was widespread at various levels, and the largest percentage of the population lacked basic services and growth, and political opponents were arrested and liquidated.”
He added that he visited prisons that lacked the elements of humanity, noting that divisions among Syrians led to conflicts.
Regarding the future of the Syrian people, Al-Sharaa confirmed that work is currently being done to achieve unity and stability, adding that the issue requires time, but he is confident that political and societal stability in Syria will be achieved.
Feltz revealed that he discussed with Sharaa the conditions of the Syrians who were displaced from their country due to the war, and among them were many Christians who were forced to leave their land. He pointed out that “work is underway to return those who were forced to leave the country, reassuring that the expatriates will return and the Syrian Christians will.” They practice their faith and beliefs in Syria.”
Al-Sharaa meets a Bahraini delegation headed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs
The leader of the Syrian Interim Administration, Ahmed Al-Sharaa, received the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bahrain, Abdul Latif bin Rashid Al-Zayani, and his accompanying delegation at the People’s Palace in the capital, Damascus. The meeting was attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Syrian Interim Government, Asaad Al-Shaibani.
Bahrain’s Foreign Minister, Abdul Latif Al-Zayani, stressed “his country’s keenness on Syria’s independence, territorial integrity, and the restoration of its role at the Arab and international levels.”
Minister Al-Zayani said during his meeting with his Syrian counterpart, Asaad Al-Shaibani, in the capital, Damascus: “We are ready to expand the horizons of joint cooperation with Syria in all fields, and we call for the lifting of economic sanctions on Syria.”
In a related context, the leader of the Druze sect in Syria, Sheikh Hikmat Al-Hijri, on Tuesday, sent a message to the head of the new administration in Syria, Ahmed Al-Sharaa, for the sake of Syria’s future.
During an exclusive interview with Sky News Arabia, Al-Hijri called for joint dialogue in order to overcome the transitional phase in the country. Al-Hijri said when asked about the message he would like to send to Al-Sharaa: “Participatory dialogue and ideas so that we can successfully overcome the transitional phase and secure the next phase, which must be more precise and a solid base for building a future Syria.”
On the other hand, Al-Hijri said, “Syria will remain beautiful, and what it was exposed to over the decades by the former regime is a lesson for all Syrians, and now things have returned to their original rules… and the sudden fall of the regime without losses is a miracle from God in honor of the Syrian people.”
He added: “Communication with the new administration began since the fall of the regime in a transparent manner. We consider the previous meetings very positive, and all of this talk is about successfully overcoming the transitional phase until we reach the next phase, which is building the Syrian state.”
He continued: “During the past years, we were keen as much as possible to conduct our affairs in a safe manner. We considered ourselves a guarantor of stability and security, and we used calm and wisdom to avoid losses.”
Regarding the delivery of weapons, Sheikh Hikmat Al-Hijri said: “We are the first to commit to handing over weapons to the Syrian army, and we are still working to reach this stage. We are still at the beginning of the road.”
He added: “Our hopes are in this weapon that exists among our youth in principle, because we are still in the stage of no state and a stage in which there is no stability.”
He explained: “We dealt with the new administration with all credibility and transparency, and we hope that we will be treated in the same way… This delicate transitional stage must be overcome to begin the right work, which is building the state.”
In response to a question about whether the Unitarian Druze sect would participate in the national dialogue, Sheikh Hikmat Al-Hijri said: “Of course, we will be the first to participate in the national dialogue, which must be built on the basis of Syrian participation and through specialists,” stressing the rejection of “a fait accompli policy.” We respect,” and respect “dialogue and cooperation.”
He added: “It is necessary for the dialogue to be inclusive of all sects in Syria. Mistakes must be avoided and we must build once and not rebuild several times, and this is what we are trying to achieve.”
Regarding the factions, the leader of the Druze Unitarian sect revealed: “Legally, we consider the matter to be terrorism and we are committed to international laws… Therefore, we directed the youth in the factions to form a single bloc and be the nucleus of the Syrian army.”
He continued: “We need to control weapons in the future in the governorate. It is no longer necessary to see weapons in the street, and these manifestations must be overcome.”
When asked, “How do you view the next stage?” Sheikh Hikmat Al-Hijri replied, saying: “We are optimistic and cooperative, and all we hope for is the exchange of ideas. A dialogue formula must be found between all Syrian components.”
A circular to return those detained for criminal offenses to prisons after their release on the day the regime fell
The Syrian Ministry of Justice requested a census of the detainees who were released from prisons with due rulings or warrants for committing crimes against others, and that they be returned to continue their trial or imprisonment.
The Minister of Justice’s circular stated: “The operations to free political detainees from prisons resulted in the escape of some detainees and convicts who committed ordinary crimes that sometimes relate to the personal rights of citizens who were harmed by those crimes.”
He added: “It is not permissible for criminals to hide under the guise of the revolution or to benefit from the achievements of liberation, nor is it permissible to neglect the personal rights resulting from some crimes. Therefore, the Ministry of Justice calls on all responsible authorities to count those arrested or sentenced for ordinary crimes who were under detention in prisons according to warrants.” They escaped arrest during the liberation process and their trial is being followed up in the lawsuits that are still pending, and police warrants have been issued against them.”
He continued: “The courts, investigation and referral departments, and the Public Prosecution must count the names of those arrested or convicted of ordinary crimes who may have been under arrest, and who were released from prisons during the liberation, and follow up on their trial in the cases that are still pending and issue police bulletins against them based on their judicial files in preparation for re-arrest.” Arrest them.”
The circular justified this matter by saying: “One of the goals of the blessed Syrian revolution and liberation from injustices is the release of political detainees, lifting the injustice against them, and revealing the fate of the forcibly disappeared.”
Last updated: January 8, 2025 – 15:15
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