Brahimi hopes establishment of new Syrian republic

UN and Arab League envoy to Syria Lakhdar Brahimi expressed on Monday his support to the establishment of a new Syrian republic, where Syrian people would “decide its nature.”

Speaking to the Swiss general TV, RTS, he said: “In my humble opinion, this situation has to lead to a new republican democratic regime. To be republican, it should not be sectarian.”

He stressed that “Syrians should be the side which decides the nature of the new regime to prevail in their country.” He also called for a swift reconciliation for the unrest there; otherwise, “there will be a new big Somalia with numerous warlords to divide the country.”

However, he affirmed that Syrians are eager to maintain the unity of their country. “The world is looking forward a united Syria, too,” he said.

In the same context, Brahimi expressed his hope that Iran and Saudi Arabia would take part in the potential Geneva II Conference on Syria slated to take place in January 22.

“I do not think that Bashar al-Assad will be there,” he said. “I do not think he will be wishing to attend amidst the current situation.”

According to the statement of Geneva I, Brahimi said: “Delegations representing the government and the opposition will attend together in order to form a new government with primary authorities during a transitional period.”

Meanwhile, he said that the different sides are not ready to propose ceasefire currently; before the conference. “Every day, we call for initiatives that could facilitate the meeting in Geneva, but we receive no response,” he said. “Violence continues.”