NEWS CENTER - The Spiritual Leader of the Druze Community, Sheikh Hekmat al-Hijrî, in a video statement addressed to the people, announced that the statement issued on the approval of the entry of Damascus forces into Suwayda was prepared under pressure and does not reflect their real will.

 

The Spiritual Leader of the Miwehidîn Muslims (Druze) Community, Sheikh Hekmat al-Hijri, in a video statement addressed to the people in Suwayda, announced that the statement issued on the approval of the entry of the internal security and defence forces of the Syrian Transitional Government into the region was prepared under pressure and does not reflect their real will.

 

'WE WILL NOT SELL OUR CHILDREN'

 

Describing the developments in Suwayda as "worrying and dangerous", Sheikh El Hijrî emphasised that they do not accept the city being turned into a battlefield. "No conscientious religion can consent to the blood spilled on the streets," said El Hijrî and called on the people of Suwayda, saying, "Approach consciously, do not give up your honour." "We do not accept anything written in our name that we do not believe in. The published statement was prepared under severe pressure. As of today, we do not recognise any voice that does not reflect our true position," al-Hijri said, adding that he stands with his people and not with the parties that besiege or intimidate them.

 

At the end of his speech, al-Hijri stressed that the solution in Suwayda must be built on the basis of honest dialogue and respect for the citizens, not on the basis of oppression, "We will not sell our children, we will not negotiate our freedom. Whoever expects the mountains to bow down is dreaming".

 

Earlier in the day, an official statement issued on behalf of the Spiritual Presidency of Miwehidîn Muslims stated that the entry of Damascus forces into Suwayda had been authorised and called on all armed groups to cooperate and surrender their weapons to the Ministry of Interior. However, after this statement, there were intense reactions from the public in the city.