Speech by the Political Advisor of the Syrian Future Movement at the Central Ceremony Commemorating the First Anniversary of the Victory of the Syrian Revolution and the Fall of the Assad Regime
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
Dear Dr. Zaher Badran, President of the Syrian Future Movement,
Distinguished gathering of members, supporters, and guests of the Movement.
A year has passed since the great victory of toppling the most brutal and oppressive regime known to humankind throughout its long history. I thank God, and I, along with those of my age, thank Him for granting us the life to witness and experience this victory with such overwhelming joy. “And on that day the believers will rejoice in the victory of God. He gives victory to whom He wills, and He is the Exalted in Might, the Merciful.” (Quran 2:180)
Gentlemen:
The greatness of any victory is measured by the magnitude of the sacrifices made to achieve it. Those immense sacrifices offered by our people on the altar of their freedom remain etched in our memory and conscience—sacrifices unparalleled in the struggles of nations. Consider, then, a million martyrs, two hundred thousand missing, and ten million displaced!
Today, this noble and resilient people has the right to live in freedom and to consolidate the fruits of their victory with significant achievements in which all its loyal sons and daughters participate.
Therefore, a genuine and broad power-sharing arrangement is essential, one where competence takes precedence over loyalty and experience over personal connections.
While acknowledging the achievements of this relatively short period, we must move forward with a comprehensive and ambitious plan that incorporates everyone’s efforts, without marginalization or exclusion, while upholding the rule of law, accountability, and public oversight, and implementing internationally recognized democratic standards. Incidentally, some are hesitant to use the term “democracy” (don’t be afraid, there’s nothing to fear).
We listened with satisfaction to the officials’ statements regarding the organization and institutionalization of political life, particularly the formation of political parties and groups, in which the esteemed Future Movement will have a firm foothold in the political landscape of a free Syria.
This active movement, comprised of dedicated and capable individuals, proved its presence on the ground during the revolutionary fervor, both before and after liberation.
I confess here that my testimony regarding it is biased.
We remain, ladies and gentlemen, bound by hope for a vibrant and harmonious coexistence, the preservation of civil peace, and the rejection of divisive and separatist calls that are alien to the enduring spirit of brotherhood on this blessed land.
Regarding the regional and international situation surrounding Syria, there are many positive developments and achievements, and we hope they will continue to strengthen until Syria takes its rightful place on the international stage.
I apologize for the length of my remarks, and I will not elaborate further in order to adhere to the time allotted for this important event.
Thank you for your kind invitation. Together on this path, and with God’s help alone, we will succeed.
