Human Shields

Pietro Vernizzi writes:

Syrian Christians are being used as human shields by the rebels in clashes with Assad’s Army. This is the accusation of Patriarch Gregory III Laham, the highest Catholic authority of Damascus, the Patriarch of Antioch, all of the East, Alexandria and Melkite Jerusalem. The Patriarch tells about nighttime kidnappings of the faithful of his diocese, with ransom payments of up to 200 thousand U.S. dollars, homes confiscated or blown up, and continuous incursions of armed Sunni Muslims in Catholic neighborhoods. During an interview with Ilsussidiario.net, Gregory III reveals the details of his last audience with Pope Benedict XVI, during which they spoke about the Syrian crisis. On the subject of the Houla massacre, he emphasizes: "That the government would do that is against logic. The artillery of the Army was outside the village, while the executions were perpetrated by someone inside".

Patriarch Gregory III, can you tell us about the situation of Christians in Syria?

Their situation is problematic for them not only as Christians but also as citizens in difficulty. The rebels come into their neighborhoods and make them flee their homes. This happened in Homs, Yabroud, Rabli and elsewhere in the Valley of the Christians. The result is a veritable exodus of Syrian Christians who no longer feel safe in their country.

Who are the people who throw Christians out of their homes?

They are Sunni Muslims belonging to the rebel factions, but often also terrorists or bandits. It must be said clearly: Syria is not the battleground for only the government and the opposition, but there is also a third element that aims to subvert the law. Christians are victims of the chaos in the country that was caused by the rebels.

What do the "bandits" do after they have entered into Christian neighborhoods?

Their mere presence is already an element of insecurity because it creates an atmosphere of terror. As soon as they settle in a place, they start fighting with the regular Army. The terrorists kill soldiers or officials, as has happened in Homs and in the villages around the city.

Do the rebels attack the Christians?

The rebels use Christian civilians, their neighborhoods and their homes as human shields in their clashes with the Army. Then, what happens happens. I do not understand why these Sunni Muslims are in neighborhoods and villages that are not theirs.

What other violence is done to Christians?

The bandits extort money from Christians or kidnap them at night and release them after two or three days in exchange for ransoms worth up to 200 thousand dollars. In some cases, these groups have seized the homes of civilians, perhaps to then destroy them.

What can be done to protect the Syrian Christians?

If Europe wants to save the Syrian Christians, they should promote the peace plan of Kofi Annan. Any alternative plan, as well as the possibility of new sanctions, only undermines the efforts of the UN mediator. The international community has entrusted the mission to Annan and must let him work. The first problem is that Europe, after having given him the mandate, is now against him. That is what keeps the Annan plan from moving forward.

Who is responsible for the violations of the truce?

The truce was violated by the rebels and not Assad. The regime has no interest in making the Annan plan fail. Out of 10 thousand deaths since the beginning of the uprising, there are thousands of casualties among the soldiers. The government must protect the entire country, not just the protesters who are always armed. In the name of the other Syrian bishops as well, I can say that the Army has never attacked an unarmed demonstration. The government does not attack unless attacked. At Houla, 15 soldiers were killed before the massacre, which was not done by those faithful to Assad.

Are you absolutely sure?

I cannot imagine that a government and an organized army could kill children like that, especially at a time when it is being watched by the whole world.

At first, people said that the massacre was carried out by the Army’s artillery…

The artillery was outside of the village, while it is more likely that those who carried out the massacre were the opposition forces in the center of the town. I have no way to say for sure, but that seems more logical.

Do the rebels, who ask only for democracy, have a motive to kill children?

Democracy has nothing to do with it. The origin of the revolt is the local and international desire to destroy Syria. We already had enough democracy, although not one hundred percent, and we were on the way to strengthening it. Over the last ten years, the climate of my country has become more liberal and democratic, despite the presence of the secret services. We Christians are the first to demand change, but we believe that it cannot come about through an armed revolution.

Why do Christians feel safer with Assad than with the opposition?

Because we do not know who the opposition is. Christians are protected when there is security in the country. Currently however, Syria is in chaos, and not because of the government.

Did you speak with the Pope about the Syrian crisis?

I met with Pope Benedict XVI on March 15. I told him my belief that Syria must become a real free country, and that Syrians need to find a solution for their future, conquering it with their own forces and without any meddling from foreign powers.

What did the Pope say?

The Pope listened to me, like he always does in these circumstances. Then, Benedict XVI has spoken out several times in favor of dialogue in Syria. His voice is the strongest among those who seek a peaceful solution. I can only thank him for this positive and objective position. France, Germany and the United Kingdom, on the other hand, are only capable of lashing out against Assad. The Pope calls for dialogue. If Europe were to follow the line of the Holy Father, the Syrian crisis could reach a solution.