Vance calls for stronger US action to safeguard Syria’s minority communities

US Vice President J.D. Vance has strongly criticized the new administration in Syria, expressing concerns about the protection of minority communities in the country.

In an interview with Fox News, Vance emphasized that while the US will not deploy troops to Syria, it has significant diplomatic and economic tools at its disposal to ensure the safety of minorities such as Kurds, Christians, and Druze, per Caliber.Az.

Vance called on the current administration to "remember who it is doing business with in Syria" and stressed the importance of protecting these historic communities. He further noted that Washington is engaged in discussions with its allies and working behind the scenes to encourage the hardline Damascus regime to ensure the protection of minority groups and guarantee their rights.

In Syria, interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa signed a constitutional declaration on March 14 that outlines a five-year transitional period following his group's recent overthrow of Bashar al-Assad. This declaration continues to uphold Islam as the religion of the president and Islamic jurisprudence as the "main source of legislation," replacing the previous constitution's reference to it as "a main source." The new document also emphasizes the separation of powers, judicial independence, and guarantees for women's rights, freedom of expression, and media freedom.

"We hope it will be a new history for Syria, where we replace oppression with justice," Sharaa stated in a speech following the signing.

UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen welcomed the development, noting that it potentially addresses a significant legal vacuum and contributes towards restoring the rule of law in the country. However, the Kurdish-led administration in northeastern Syria sharply criticized the constitutional declaration, claiming it "contradicts the reality of Syria and its diversity."

In January, rebel military commanders named Sharaa as president for the transitional period, scrapping the Assad-era 2012 constitution, and disbanding the former regime's parliament, army, and security agencies. Just ten days ago, Sharaa announced the formation of a seven-member committee to draft the constitutional declaration, which he believes will provide the "legal framework regulating the transitional phase."

Sharaa has promised to establish an inclusive government to oversee the country until a new constitution is finalized and free and fair elections are held. However, his administration faces immense challenges, particularly after 14 years of brutal civil war ignited by Assad’s violent crackdown on pro-democracy protests.

Recently, gunmen supporting Sharaa's Sunni Islamist-led government were accused of carrying out revenge killings against members of Assad's minority Alawite sect in the western coastal region. These killings were reportedly in retaliation for an ambush on a security patrol by gunmen loyal to Assad’s former regime. The UN reports that nearly 1,500 civilians have been killed in the violence.

In response, Sharaa pledged to hold the perpetrators accountable and ordered the formation of a committee aimed at preserving civil peace. Despite these efforts, many Alawites and members of other minority groups remain skeptical of Sharaa’s intentions, citing his past as a leader of al-Qaeda's former Syrian affiliate.

UN Secretary General António Guterres expressed grave concern over the situation, stating that "nothing can justify the killing of civilians." He warned that Syria's "much-deserved brighter future hangs in the balance" and called for action. "The caretaker authorities have repeatedly committed to building a new Syria based on inclusive and credible foundations for all Syrians. Now is the time for action," Guterres added.

By Tamilla Hasanova