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 Syrian exile criticises international community for dropping human rights
The United States and the European Union want to involve Syria in the Mideast peace process and so are prepared to put aside human rights. However, Damascus continues to have close ties with Hizbollah and Iran and wants to play a role in curbing terrorism in Iraq. This way, it has successfully blackmailed the international community.
Maamoun Al Homsi, a former Syrian lawmaker and a leading Syrian opposition figure, said on Wednesday that the international community is turning a blind eye on Syria's "worsening" human rights record in order to improve relations with its government.
Mr Homsi, who was jailed in 2001 for five years after demanding greater political freedom, told Reuters that the West is no longer putting pressure on Syria to make political reforms or release of political prisoners.
"It's very surprising," he said in the interview, “to see the minimum role the international community is playing. It is as if human rights in Syria is now a dropped issue.”
"The regime sentences us and it seems that the international community ratifies it. I think they [are focused] on mutual interests with the regime," he said. "We are hurt, disappointed and depressed by the international community's silence".
In 2000, when Bashar el Assad succeeded his late father, he raised hopes that change might come to Syria. This was made more credible when he freed hundreds of political prisoners. However, the new president later cracked down on critics.
At that time, the international community was putting pressure on Syria to become more democratic. Today, according to Homsi, everyone is concerned about terrorism and security and is willing to deal with Damascus at any price.
Yet, Syria continues to be friendly with Hizbollah in Lebanon and Iran, whilst stressing the role it can play in ending terrorism in Iraq. This way, it can “blackmail the international community and impose its demands."
Five years ago, Syria was suspected in the murder of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, and came under intense criticism from the international community.
Now the United States and the European Union are trying to bring it into the Mideast peace process, reopening their embassies in Damascus.
The net result is that since the West began its rapprochement with Syria, few diplomats are willing to hear requests from Syria’s opposition calling for improved human rights in Syria.
(2010-05-16/ asianews.it)
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