Opinion | Editorials
Syria must begin dialogue and reconciliation
The current situation cannot continue as the costs would be grave for the people
- Gulf News
- Published: 00:00 September 13, 2011
The situation in Syria demands our attention as the ongoing violence has to come to an end. And hence, all measures to bring stability should focus on the long-term future of the country, and its integrity and unity.
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has once again called on Syria to immediately stop its "killing machine" which it has been using against anti-regime protesters. It has also asked that immediate steps be endorsed by the authorities towards reforms.
The GCC foreign ministers recently issued a statement calling for the "immediate implementation of serious reforms that meet the aspirations of the Syrian people". In addition, the Arab League has proposed a truce plan which contains a proposal for presidential elections in 2014 — which has been rejected by the Syrian opposition.
The current situation in Syria cannot continue as the cost would be grave for all people. Hence, a serious attempt towards dialogue and reconciliation should begin as it is the only way to move forward.
This is being said simply because the Syrian government will not be able to continue with its current policy while dealing with the opposition. It may well keep its opponents under control but will not succeed in bringing about stability. And it is this aspect that all parties concerned should take seriously.
The rising death toll — over 2,500 people killed since the start of the unrest — has not proved to be a deterrent. Killing protesters is not a constructive way of moving to the next phase. Now it is up to the Syrian authorities as well as the people to decide the future of the country and how that should be achieved.
Hence, if elections are to take place some years down the road, there is no reason why reform and dialogue cannot be started now.
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