The former head of the opposition Syrian National Coalition, Ahmed Moaz Al-Khatib, sent a message to “the Lebanese and the leaders of social, religious and political opinion” in Lebanon, regarding the crisis. Syrian refugees There, a robbery gang of Syrian nationality was accused of murder An official in the Lebanese Forces party.
The case sparked a wave of attacks and vandalism against Syrians and their shops in several Lebanese regions, while the Lebanese set a time limit that ended on Friday morning, April 12, 2024, for the Syrians to leave the areas of Bourj Hammoud, Sin El Fil, Jbeil, Bouchrieh Dam, Zouk Mosbeh, and others.
Al-Khatib, in a post on his official account in “X”, on Friday, offered “sincere condolences to all of the children Lebanon To whom the hand of crime extends, especially the great deceased Pascal Suleiman, whose kidnapping and then assassination was an extremely despicable and criminal act.”
“Compassion and positive coexistence”
He added: “Apart from any political disagreement, and from a purely humanitarian and objective standpoint, I address all of you with the following perception: Our region in this world is a hotbed of cultures and diversities that are almost endless and can be dealt with in two ways: a sharp escalation of identities, and this will lead to massive tensions that will be emptied every now and then by torrents of blood.” Everyone, the second way is understanding, compassion and positive coexistence.”
Al-Khatib pointed out that “the Syrian refugee did not come of his own free will and never intended to harass or compete with anyone for anything.”
He added: “What happened in Syria, no matter how different we look at it, is an unprecedented tragedy that made more than ten million Syrians save their lives in a country whose prisons swallowed up hundreds of thousands of innocents and shed the blood of its people hundreds of thousands more. All Lebanese are aware of the meaning of injustice, coercion, and the interference of regional and international fingers. They have passed through “In very harsh conditions, the effects of which are still present.”
He explained: “We, as Syrians, realize that the neighboring countries have shouldered a great burden beyond their own burdens, and we thank our people in Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, and Iraqi Kurdistan, which opened their doors to us and endured a lot.”
“The area is an arena for settling scores.”
He stressed that “it is important for our common awareness of several things: the entire region has become an arena for settling scores and creating equations and interests at the expense of its components and peoples.”
“And its unique diversity is intended to be destroyed and annihilated, and the escalation of hostilities and conflicts is the closest means to that (how painful it is that there has been a dangerous effort over many years to uproot the Christian presence in the Middle East and that there is an existential threat to us as Syrians in our identity and belonging).”
He added, “Preserving everyone’s identities is a human and civilizational necessity and a factor of enrichment for all of us. We must all preserve each other’s identities, which have given the whole world a unique, unprecedented fabric.”
He also added, “The captivating spirit of Lebanon is imbued with the finest meanings of mercy, serenity, and humanity, from its Saint Mar Maron the Syrian Syriac to its Imam Al-Awza’i, passing through many who kindled light in the paths of a world full of turmoil.”
Collective punishment is rejected
He pointed out that “congestions and disagreements cannot be resolved by blaming them on the weakest party and making them the scapegoat, as that will make matters more complicated.”
He continued: “Justice is a sacred demand for human beings, and any punishment for any act must be limited to its perpetrator, and collective punishment is legally, legally and morally rejected.”
He stressed that “there is no group in Lebanon that has not been subjected to some injustice, assassinations, or persecution, and has developed a strong feeling of injustice. These injustices are not redressed with harsher injustice, but rather with greater openness and awareness.”
He stressed that “when there is a law that makes everyone feel comfortable and safe and until many obstacles are overcome, the search of rational people for a solution to any issue will push towards the beginning of a solution instead of drowning in escalation and hatred that will reflect negatively in all aspects of life.”
He added: “I ask you and every Lebanese to live the tragedy that befell most Syrians, and to understand that realizing it will help the Syrian more to overcome the pain and suffering he went through, and this will reflect positively on all of us, as we overcome with him the types of humiliation and unjustified abuse to which some were subjected.” .
Al-Khatib apologized “personally for some Syrians who may have misbehaved one day due to a compelling circumstance or need.”
He also called on the Syrians to “abide by the law and respect the lives and privacy of our Lebanese people, and that no Syrian should stay except out of necessity and a compelling circumstance. Whoever is able to return to his country safely must do so as soon as possible.”
He concluded by saying: “I once again thank everyone who is making an effort to instill security, stability and law, and I hope that we will participate in calming the squares and hearts and that will bring all the best to everyone. With great regards, appreciation and respect.”
2024-04-13 09:14:20
#Moaz #AlKhatib #comments #Syrian #refugee #crisis #Lebanon #Collective #punishment #rejected #coexist #compassion
