Damascus, SANA- Minister of Information, Dr. Hamza al-Mustafa, has affirmed that the new Syria is pursuing two parallel paths: transitional justice and stability and civil peace. He stressed the Syrian state’s resolve in this matter, noting that the transitional justice process has begun with the formation of a national body that will soon announce its plans, internal regulations, and a roadmap for the upcoming phase.
In an interview on Tuesday with Syria TV, Minister al-Mustafa stated: “All concerns of Syrians must be taken into account; even anger is legitimate because it concerns memory and cannot be forgotten. The new Syrian state is very aware of the sensitivity of this issue, and the long road and heavy price Syrians paid to gain their freedom over 14 years.”
The Minister of Information added: “The state has taken a series of measures from the outset, most notably the formation of the National Authority for Transitional Justice with broad powers and independence. Thus, the transitional justice process has begun, and we expect the Authority to articulate its proposals and present a roadmap to the public very soon. The press conference held today by the Supreme Committee for Civil Peace was an attempt to reflect its viewpoint on some recently taken measures concerning the release of a group of officers.”
Minister al-Mustafa continued: “The group released consists of officers who surrendered themselves immediately after the fall of the regime. We are not talking about an incident that happened now, but months ago. After completing all procedures and investigations within the Ministry of Interior, and upon receiving requests from families to the Civil Peace Committee, the committee deemed that if this file were closed, it could be a form of initiative.”
The Minister of Information said: “The Syrian state faces immense challenges, not only economic and livelihood challenges, reconstruction, and kickstarting development, but also in Syria’s unity and unification. The transitional phase has begun but with a difficult legacy, manifested in numerous divisions and geographical alignments resulting from the crisis. Therefore, the initiative to release these officers is a proactive attempt, and we understand that external parties are trying to create instability or undertake a series of actions under the guise of grievances and narratives.”
Minister al-Mustafa added: “The name Fadi Saqr is a problematic name for society and also for the state. What the state intended today with the press conference was to be transparent with the Syrian people. The Civil Peace Committee wanted to launch its approach to things, and these approaches may not be universally accepted, which might lead the committee to review its approaches.”
The Minister of Information continued: “The matter is complex and involves significant steps. But regarding Fadi Saqr’s name, there was a statement from the military operations command during the Deterrence of Aggression operation that there was communication with officers and intelligence to facilitate the fall of the regime and avoid confrontations that could lead to heavy human costs.”
Minister Al-Mustafa said: “The state of given security relates to a temporary phase and is not necessarily a final judgment of transitional justice. The paths of transitional justice are diverse, and the Syrian state is resolute in this regard.” He explained that the transitional justice process began with a presidential decree forming the National Authority for Transitional Justice, which will soon announce its plans, internal regulations, and a roadmap for a set of measures.
The Minister of Information added: “There are repercussions stemming from the nature of the transitional phase after years of social divisions. The deposed regime invested in societal and sectarian divisions as a strategy of exclusion, not only during the years of the revolution but for decades. When the cover of tyranny is lifted, the best in society emerges, and we saw the unity of Syrians and positive manifestations in a smooth transition. We also found some social problems, and side issues resulting from the lifting of the cover of tyranny.”
Minister al-Mustafa continued: “The civil peace file is handled by various entities, and each ministry plays its role in this area. The Ministry of Information always tries to focus on the idea of equal citizenship in rights and duties, inclusive national discourse, renouncing hate speech and division, and attempting to confront misinformation and common narratives that play a significant role in creating a sense of tension. This applies to the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor and the Ministry of Interior, and this work is integrated.”
The Minister of Information said: “In the new Syria, we are trying to have two parallel paths: the path of transitional justice and the path of stability and resolving all political issues peacefully. The Syrian people yearn for freedom and a period of stability and the restoration of their creativity. They are keenly aware that memory, sorrows, and the bleeding wound sharpen the new Syrian national identity and push for preserving achievements.”
Minister al-Mustafa concluded: “The new state emerged from a popular revolution and resulted from the accumulation of a struggle by the Syrian people, which began in Daraa and spread to all governorates until it ended in Damascus. No one’s rights will be lost in vain, nor can they be relinquished. It is not in the purview of the state or the new government to give them up, and the practical steps to come in the future are the best proof of that.”
Ruaa al-Jazaeri
