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Israel Warns of Threats Facing Kurds, Alawites, and Christians
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Saar's linking of democracy absence with minority protection indicates deep reading of Syrian scene, as election delay threatens rights of various components
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar condemned the new Syrian authority's move to postpone elections, warning of its impact on minorities. Saar tweeted Monday about a phone call with his Greek counterpart Georgios Gerapetritis.
The Israeli official stated: "We discussed the situation in Syria and I emphasized the urgent need to protect minorities in Syria, including Kurds, Alawites, and Christians."
He added: "The new government in Damascus was not democratically elected, but more concerning is their announcement that elections won't be held for four years."
HTS leader "Abu Mohammad al-Jolani" justified delaying elections citing the need to rebuild electoral infrastructure completely. He explained that the displacement and refuge of over 15 million Syrians makes accurate population statistics complex.
He noted many Syrians abroad lack civil documentation, necessitating population movement tracking and comprehensive census.
Jolani emphasized the impossibility of holding elections without proper infrastructure ensuring reliable statistics and official communication with Syrian diaspora communities. He indicated that organizing elections without these preparations would undermine their credibility, requiring several years' delay until basic requirements are met.
Levant-Agencies
