Brasília – This Wednesday (16th), the League of Arab States confirmed the suspension of Syria from the bloc as a result of reports of violence and repression against the opponents of president Bashar Al Assad’s regime. However, the League’s secretary general, Nabil Al Arabi, claimed that he fears the situation might worsen, and called on the international community to collaborate to prevent further bloodshed in the country.
The subject was discussed at a meeting in Rabat, Morocco. The Arab heads of state backed a proposal of sending observers to Syria as a means to ensure protection to civilians in the country. Since last March, president Assad’s administration has not allowed foreigners to enter Syria.
At the meeting, the Arab League ruled that 500 members of human rights non-government organizations (NGO) and press vehicles will be sent to the country, as well as military observers. Still, Al Arabi stated that the observers will only be sent in once the Syrian government signs a memorandum of understanding “spelling out the duties and rights of all the parties.”
Last Sunday (13th), Assad’s administration invited Arab League representatives to visit the country. The Syrian authorities informed that they accept the proposal to send in a delegation of “observers, civilian and military experts and Arab media.”
According to the United Nations, 3,500 people have died as a result of conflicts in Syria. Since March, protesters have been attempting to overthrow Assad, who has been president for 11 years. The government, however, has reacted with violent repression against demonstrators.
On the government’s side, in turn, the Army is suffering casualties on a daily basis. This Wednesday, the military announced the establishment of an independent Provisional Military Council to prevent widespread disorder and protect civilians. The council will be governed by colonel coronel Riad Al Assad, who has deserted and sought exile in Syria. According to him, the council will enforce “the Army’s goals, i.e. overthrowing of the current regime, protecting of public and private property, and fighting anarchy and acts of violence once the regime is over.”
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
