Tom Barrack Expresses Deep Sorrow Over Syria Situation

The Three-Way Peace Roadmap for Suveyda

Ambassador Barrack stated that approximately one year ago, officials signed a tripartite roadmap for peace in Suveyda alongside Syrian Foreign Minister Esad Hasan Şeybani and Jordanian Foreign Minister Eymen es-Safedi. According to the Ambassador’s statement, this agreement aimed to reintegrate the province into Syria with full citizenship rights and responsibilities for the Druze community, describing it as the only path away from ongoing conflict.

Impact of Absent Governance and Intra-Community Violence

Describing Syria’s Druze population as a community with a noble and rooted history, Barrack warned that criminal gangs are filling vacuums left by administrative absence. The statement highlighted the plight of individuals such as Atef Hunaidi, who was reportedly detained arbitrarily and driven from his home by individuals acting against their own community. Barrack noted that diplomatic teams remain in direct contact with Hunaidi and other civilians impacted by the recent wave of internal violence.

Accountability and the Path Forward for Syria

According to the statement released by Barrack, the Syrian government initiated efforts last July to confront serious crimes committed by its own forces and hold perpetrators accountable through the courts. The Ambassador emphasized that dialogue leading to accountability, restored security, the return of displaced persons, and structural rebuilding remains essential. Urging restraint and sincere communication across all factions, the statement concluded that dialogue must take precedence over reactionary violence to prevent further periods of mourning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What triggered the recent tensions in Suveyda?

Renewed violence erupted following attacks by illegal armed groups tied to Hikmet el-Hecri, a faction leader within the Druze community in southern Syria.

What was the tripartite roadmap signed regarding Suveyda?

Signed roughly a year ago by Syrian and Jordanian officials—including Foreign Ministers Esad Hasan Şeybani and Eymen es-Safedi—the roadmap aimed to grant full citizenship rights to the Druze community and reintegrate Suveyda into Syria.

What steps are authorities taking regarding local abuses?

According to Ambassador Barrack, the Syrian government began addressing heavy crimes committed by its forces last July, working to hold responsible parties accountable through judicial processes.