Discussions between leading figures of the Druze community in Sweida and the new Syrian administration have reportedly resulted in a tacit agreement for the Druze to integrate into the new Syrian state, according to Lebanese daily An-Nahar.
Syrian writer and researcher Jamal al-Shoufi revealed to An-Nahar an “attempt to unify ranks by community leaders, represented by Prince Hassan al-Atrash, who visited the three Druze spiritual leaders. They, in turn, reaffirmed the general principles of maintaining a stable relationship with the state, rejecting any separatist conflicts or dependence on foreign powers.” Shoufi highlighted the support of major Sweida factions for the Syrian authorities.
He also shared with An-Nahar details of the recently concluded agreement, stating that it aims for gradual integration at the administrative, security and military levels. He noted that the Ministries of Defense and Interior have agreed that members of the army and judicial police in the province should be from Sweida.
Furthermore, Shoufi mentioned that the Syrian authorities are working to form a military unit, with the approval of the main factions in Sweida, to integrate it into the Syrian army. Discussions are reportedly underway to determine the necessary personnel numbers and recruitment procedures.
On the political front, Shoufi emphasized that the agreement to activate the administrative and security integration of the Druze into the Syrian state now enjoys widespread social support, “opposing and rejecting all separatist tendencies and foreign protectorates, and reflecting a general trend in favor of the Syrian state.”
A few days ago, An-Nahar revealed that an agreement had been reached between the Druze of Jaramana and the transitional government to recruit young men into the armed forces.
Comments