While the regime of Bashar al-Assad was overthrown by an Islamist power led by former jihadists, a Christian Syrian intends to upset the future of the country. Far from the spotlight, he weaves his network abroad, extends his influence and advocates the independence of the Syrian coast to bring together all religious minorities. Based in England, Fadi Wassouf agreed to give us an exceptional testimony to the creation of his political party. The 42 -year -old man launches a cry of alarm on the future of Syria.
The Tangwall Campagin. Can you briefly approx?
Fadi Wassouf. I am a 42-year-old Syrian citizen, born in the Orthodox Christian village of Mashta al-Helou, on the Syrian coast. I left Syria in 2000 to study abroad. Today, I hold a doctorate in political science from the University of Oxford. I currently live in Great Britain. I hold the post of president of the party for the independence of the Syrian coast and also director of the Syrian minorities observatory, a platform that lists abuses, crimes and assassinations against religious minorities in Syria.
Why did you decided to create a political party?
Today, the Islamists of Hayat Tahrir al-Cham (HTC) are unable to control Syria because they now fight for power with allied factions. This jihadist hydra has the same ideology as Al-Qaeda or the Islamic State. Syria must come back to what was before, and the proof is that the independence of the Druze and Kurds regions is a territorial and political reality. For this, the Alawites and Christians have exactly the same rights to protect their co -religionists. There is a huge class disparity, a cultural and intellectual difference which makes coexistence impossible with all communities. War has accentuated this ditch more.
“All peoples have the right to self -determination”
All peoples have the right to self -determination. We therefore rely on the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, in particular by the provisions of its article 1 and its article 55, which affirm the right of peoples to have themselves.
What will be the ideology and structure of this new state?
We demand the partition of the Syrian coast with a Christian and Alaouite predominance with Lattaquié administrative capital. We want the separation of the Islamic Syrian Republic and we are supporters of a coalition with Israel and the Western countries. We have no connection with Iran. The independence party of the Syrian coast seeks to establish a strategic partnership with the West. This territorial project will be anchored on the foundations of the kingdom of Ugaritus (ancient city prosperous in the Levant in the 2nd millennium before JC, editor’s note).
The new homeland will be a secular and democratic state based on equality and social justice. He will be inhabited by an Alawite and Christian majority, but also populated by a minority of Sunnis. All confessions will be represented in Parliament. Women will completely have their place in society, there will be no discrimination. The country will be the first in the world to dismantle mosques and transform them into shelters for the homeless. Ultimately, we will ask to be able to join the Schengen space and that our legislation be adapted to the laws of the European Union.
“We welcomed the fall of Bashar with concern”
How did you welcomed Bashar al-Assadle December 8 last?
We welcomed the fall of Bashar with concern, considering what could happen. What we feared unfortunately has come true: sectarian revenge, Islamic trends and a government based on the principles of jihad, opposing the minorities. Our party is not close to the Assad clan, neither from afar nor closely.
Do you have links with foreign countries? Are you supported inside the country?
Outside, we have relations with British parliamentarians as well as with Israeli, European and American diplomats. This new state will be based on the principles of good neighborhood, as well with the Arab countries of the Gulf, Lebanon, Iraq but also the democratic state of Israel and Turkey. We have financial assistance from the personalities of the diaspora. The party is supported by notable Alawites and Christians. Many intellectuals, judges, lawyers and doctors follow us.
At the agenda level, when do you think you can create the new state?
We will declare the independence of the Syrian coast within one to four years. We make the impossible and run against the watch in order to obtain the recognition and support of the foreigner as quickly as possible.
