Hikmat al-Hijri: Syria at a historic crossroads

ARK New.. The spiritual leader of the Druze community, Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, said that Syria is at a historic crossroads, stressing the urgent need to end the conflict and stop the machinery of war that has claimed countless Syrian lives and displaced millions. He stressed the right of displaced people to return to their homes and reclaim their legitimate rights.

In a statement issued on Sunday, 1 December 2024, Sheikh al-Hijri stressed that the Syrian people have borne the brunt of the protracted conflict. He called for an end to the ongoing suffering that has resulted in the loss of countless innocent lives and the mass displacement of millions.

He said: 'Today we stand at a crucial moment to end the conflict and stop the war machine that has torn Syria apart for years. With new forces now in control of parts of Aleppo, Idlib and parts of Hama, we reaffirm the right of the displaced to return to their homes and reclaim their legitimate rights".

In his statement, Sheikh al-Hijri stressed, "We believe that Syria should be a homeland for all its citizens, without discrimination or exclusion, adhering to the principles of freedom and dignity. We call on all parties to exercise restraint and avoid any retaliatory action that could deepen the wounds and hinder efforts to achieve peace and national reconciliation".

The Druze spiritual leader urged the international community and the actors involved in the Syrian crisis to work towards a comprehensive and just political transition that addresses the roots of the conflict and puts Syria on the path to recovery. He reiterated that such a transition should pave the way for the building of a new state based on democracy, pluralism and respect for human rights.

Sheikh al-Hijri concluded his statement by reiterating his commitment to peace and stability in Syria. He said: "We are committed to a safe and secure Syria that embraces all its citizens without exception. Let us all strive for a new Syria based on justice and mutual respect.

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