Ayman Al-Asimi, a member of the Syrian Opposition Coalition (SOC), has underscored that the ongoing protests in Suwayda are driven by political motives rather than solely stemming from living conditions. He described the current situation as the initial spark in the pursuit of political demands.
During an interview with Al-Jazeera TV channel on Wednesday, Al-Asimi emphasized that the protests in Suwayda are a genuine expression of political demands. He refuted claims that these demands are separatist or linked to autonomy, citing communication with Suwayda’s residents and SOC members hailing from the region as confirmation of this.
Al-Asimi further highlighted the resolute determination of Suwayda’s people to see UN resolutions implemented and the overthrow of the Assad regime in accordance with these resolutions, particularly Resolution 2254. He stressed that the events in Suwayda represent a continuation of the demands that originated with the Syrian revolution in 2011
Additionally, Al-Asimi noted a notable aspect of the recent demonstrations, which has seen them spread from the city center to the rural areas of Suwayda province. He also pointed out that kidnappings in the province have ceased, suggesting the involvement of Assad regime security services in these operations.
Commenting on the timing of the protests, Al-Asimi remarked that if they had begun in 2011, the Assad regime would have likely responded with the same violence seen in Daraa, Homs, eastern Ghouta, and Idlib. However, the current critical state of the regime prevents it from provoking international opinion, especially considering that the Suwayda protests have exposed the regime’s false claims of protecting minorities in Syria.
Concluding his statement, Al-Asimi called upon the UN, international organizations, and Arab bodies to establish a humanitarian crossing to assist the people of Suwayda. This would help prevent a situation similar to the regime’s actions in eastern Ghouta and other besieged areas, as Suwayda lacks any external border crossings.
(Source: SOC’s Media Department)
