Canada must ensure that “dark forces” don't take over Syria: Special Envoy – State
Canada's new special envoy said Syria's deadly violent fostered the need to ensure that “the power of darkness” does not take over struggling countries and exacerbate conditions within it.
Omar Alghabra, appointed Syria’s envoy last month, spoke when he appeared Western District With host Mercedes Stevenson.
Alghabra is a liberal member of the Mississauga Central Parliament. As a special envoy for Syria, he reported to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Foreign Minister Melanie Joly.
Alghabra said the retreat of Russian and Iran-backed militants after the decline of the Assad regime, clashes between competitive interests have been highlighted since then, highlighting why the world must closely monitor events in Syria.
“This weekend, we saw huge violence, and many civilians paid the price. ” He said
“This is exactly why the world needs to participate to ensure that the dark forces do not take over Syria and cause damage to the Syrian people and the region.”
Over the past few days, conflicts between Syrian government security forces and ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and subsequent revenge killings have killed more than 1,000 people, including 750 civilians and 750 civilians in Syria.
Other dead included 125 members of the Syrian government security forces and 148 armed groups with armed groups with former dictator Assad. The UK-based Syrian Human Rights Observatory told the Associated Press that families have been displaced from several villages.
Strengthened Syrian security forces were deployed in Latakia, Syria on Friday, March 7, 2025.
Omar Albaum/AP
“Look, after the fall of the Assad regime, Iran and Russia have certainly retreated. We need to ensure any negative impact, not for the benefit of the region or the Syrian people, make sure there is sufficient immunity within the Syrian government, and Syrian civil society rejects such foreign intervention,” Alghabra added.
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Alghabra reveals that he and Joly meet new Syria's foreign minister at a meeting in Paris two weeks ago. Most European and Middle Eastern political leaders competed.
“We have a conversation about their vision for Syria. All I can tell you is that I hear a lot of the right things. A lot of the right vision, a commitment to Syria with inclusive, civil society. That being said, we need to hold this government accountable,” Algabra said.
The special envoy said Canada needs to make sure Syria does not miss the shooting democracy. He added: “The best way to do this is to give them a chance.”
Alghabra explained on the show that this could be made possible by adjusting and relaxing some sanctions on Syria while keeping the new government accountable for the results.
He said Canada and other countries could provide additional support.
“By figuring out how to support civil society, give them advice on how to build governance and democracy and make sure they know they are the Syrian people themselves are not alone because I have full confidence in the Syrian people,” Algabra said.
“But we have a question mark on this government. The best way is to strengthen civil society and support their efforts to have a democratic, stable Syria.”
Ahmed Al-Sharaa, who now leads Syria, also leads Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a Canadian group that has been listed as a terrorist group since 2013. The group had links with Al-Qaida, but has since condemned its previous links.
Alghabra, a Saudi-born Syrian Canadian, said Canada has established a special bond with Syria and Syrians after the country welcomed more than 100,000 refugees who escaped the civil war, driving diplomatic efforts.
“Thousands of Canadian families have opened their doors to Syrian families who are escaping violence, and their hearts are open to families who are escaping violence.”
“Syrians have been integrated into Canada. They have established businesses to become professionals, doctors, nurses, and are skilled workers. There is a special bond between Canada and Syria, which really inspires our desire to do good things in Syria.”
Alghabra said Canada is working with its international partners and local allies to complete constitutional research, develop a framework for public governance, and organize an election framework to select members of the new government.
“All things that have not been done yet, we have been paying attention to it. We certainly also work with our partners and our allies in civil society to ensure that it is done for the benefit of the Syrian people.”
Use the Associated Press documents.
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