Ankara: Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa on Thursday firmly dismissed calls for separation or federalism within Syria, reaffirming that the coastal region remains a 'priority' for his administration. In a video conference during a meeting in Latakia, Sharaa emphasized the government's focus on safeguarding the nation from both internal and external threats while advancing economic development.
According to Anadolu Agency, protests erupted in several cities, including Latakia, Hama, Deir ez-Zor, and Quneitra, on Tuesday. These demonstrations were a collective expression of support for Syria's unity and territorial integrity in response to the recent calls for federalism. The protests followed an incident where two security officers and multiple civilians were injured by gunfire originating from a neighborhood associated with officers from the former regime of Bashar al-Assad.
Sharaa criticized the calls for separation or federalism, labeling them as 'an expression of political ignorance' that caters to narrow interests. He warned that Syria stands at 'a historic juncture that affects the entire region,' highlighting that Damascus has made substantial progress this year through the state's policies and the active participation of Syrian society.
The president stressed that Syrian geography remains unified, asserting that the coastal region cannot be isolated with its own authority. Sharaa noted the strategic importance of the Syrian coast due to its proximity to global and international trade routes, making it a priority for the nation.
Recently, the coastal region experienced a series of coordinated attacks by loyalists of Assad, resulting in casualties among security personnel. However, subsequent security operations have restored stability in the area. Sharaa underscored the coastal region's role as a crucial economic link between Syria and neighboring countries, which reinforces the nation's unity and highlights the enrichment brought by sectarian diversity.
Concluding his address, Sharaa urged all Syrians to adopt a strategic mindset with long-term objectives, emphasizing that 'narrow views do not build the country at all.'