Head of the Syrian Interim Government (SIG), Abdurrahman Mustafa, gave a speech on the recent infighting that took place in the freed territories and caused civilian casualties and the displacement of many families. He lamented the infighting as he stressed that the government has prepared a plan for the next stage to ensure that such incidents do not happen again.
Mustafa said that the recent infighting is a “dangerous turning point” in the freed territories as it caused terrible pain to all the free people. He regretted how those involved in the infighting misused their weapons and pursued narrow interests while showing utter disregard for the suffering, sacrifices and steadfastness of the Syrian people, stressing that no excuses or arguments can justify what happened.
Mustafa pointed out that one of the reasons that led to the infighting was the failure of the Syrian National Army’s (SNA) groups to adhere to the SIG’s institutions. He added: “We must carry out soul-searching and clarify the facts to the Syrian people who feel betrayed and angered by this situation.”
Mustafa added that in view of the popular demands for establishing a central authority to administer the region on legal grounds, it is no longer acceptable to tolerate factionalism and infighting. He pointed out that SIG has tried and is still trying to exercise its role and assuming the tasks as a central authority in an institutionally organized civil and military manner.
He commended the great efforts to unify the armed opposition groups under the SNA umbrella in a way that enhances military professionalism under a unified, regular command that is committed to international law and human rights standards. He regretted that some groups did not cooperate with these efforts while others showed reluctance.
Moreover, Mustafa stressed that it is about time to realize the aspirations of the Syrian people, and to move from a state of chaos to a state of reform at the military and civil levels by activating SIG’s role with all its institutions so as it acts as a de facto central authority and a reference for everyone through committing to the decisions and regulations issued within the legal frameworks.
Mustafa also said that the coming period will be decisive to the reality in the freed territories, adding that its title will be commitment, organization, construction, respect for the rule of law, and activating the principle of accountability to hold accountable all those who seek to create chaos and threaten security and stability in the region.
He added that SIG will work on activating the work of military and civil institutions according to a central plan that includes administrative reform, ensures financial sustainability, activates highly qualified human resources, supports infrastructure projects, invests in renewable energy, encourages local industries, supports healthcare and launches in economic, industrial, agricultural projects, and support local and foreign investors.
He stressed that SIG will seek to enhance the experience of local administration in the liberated areas, in a manner that serves the citizens and the local environment within a general plan that takes into account the reality in the region while ensuring fair distribution and unity of objectives.
With regard to education, Mustafa pointed out that SIG will step up its support for university and pre-university education according to well-prepared plans aimed at absorbing students and graduating a generation armed with knowledge and who will contribute to making a better future for Syria.
Furthermore, he pointed out that SIG is carrying on with its plan to support food security in the region, stressing that a good, affordable bread will be accessible to everyone. He pointed out that SIG will increase its support for unions and civil society organizations in order to empower them to provide services to citizens.
Mustafa indicated that they will pay more attention to the camps for the IDPs and will work to provide services to their residents and provide a better life in the days to come.
Mustafa stressed that all this requires that everyone assume their responsibilities, and commit to implementing government plans and decisions that lead to the successful management of the region in line with the aspirations of the Syrian people and respects their sacrifices.
With regard to the military field, Mustafa said that SIG government will ascertain, through the Ministry of Defense and its institutions (the military judiciary and the military police), the commitment of all armed opposition groups and will ensure accountability for all violators. He stressed that military action should not deviate from its primary goal: fighting the Assad regime and terrorist and separatist groups so as to liberate all Syrian lands and build a future state. (Source: SOC’s media department)
