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Clarifications from Jihad Makdesi on the Status of the Syrian Mission in Washington
Jihad Makdesi, the former spokesperson for the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, provided clarifications regarding the current status of the Syrian mission in Washington, pointing out a number of facts that warrant discussion:
- Makdesi described the U.S. action as a consular measure with a political nature, noting that the media leak regarding this issue is not entirely innocent, as it is typically considered a common practice among nations.
- He explained that this action is directed towards members of the previous delegation who were accredited to represent the Assad government, which has legally fallen and ended, and is not aimed at the new authority in Syria.
- Despite the bureaucratic complexities that the new Syrian authority may inherit as a result of any changes, there is a positive aspect in that the United States recognizes the definitive fall of the former regime by amending the political and consular status of its delegation.
- He affirmed that changing the status of diplomats is legally necessary due to the loss of their diplomatic accreditation, as there is a special committee at the United Nations that regulates the legitimacy of state representation, which necessitates classifying them into a different consular category according to U.S. laws.
- Makdesi pointed out that all diplomatic missions have recognized the new Syrian authority, and there has been no diplomatic defiance, indicating that the issue lies not in representing the new government but in the need to replace some personnel and staff.
- He also noted that the new government faces international complications and challenges but deals with them realistically, despite heavy bureaucracy and attempts to submit illogical political requests in some cases.
- Makdesi clarified that there is recognition of the new Syrian authority, although some countries have political expectations that may affect the speed of developing relations with them.
- Regarding legitimacy, he indicated that there have been no signs of a power struggle in Syria since the fall of the regime, and there are framework political agreements internally with most Syrian components that carry legitimate demands, with hopes of completing those agreements, noting that one of these agreements was under U.S. sponsorship.
- As an indicator of the return to normalcy, Makdesi referred to the restoration of the authority’s seat in the Arab League and its cooperation with international organizations, where European, Arab, and Asian embassies operate in Damascus, and Americans are practicing delegation diplomacy. He emphasized that diplomatic relations should develop through the efforts of both parties.
- In conclusion, Makdesi remarked that the internal and external challenges facing the new Syrian authority are not easy, and discussions should not be limited to issues concerning legitimacy and status in the United Nations.
