Exclusive: Archbishop of Aleppo expects more international commitment for Syria

Is there an international effort for Syria? Nearly not, attacks Jean-Clement Jeanbart, Greek-melchite Archbishop of Aleppo, in an exclusive interview granted to Matchman News. The Archbishop shows appreciation for Novae Terrae Foundation petition to ask for the lifting of economic sanctions against Syria, and asks Christian Western politicians more firmness in tackling the issue.

Can His Excellence describe the situation that is living in your community and in the region? Is it really implemented the Religious freedom principle and human right?

The situation in my community and in the region, is awful : terrorism, bombs, kidnapping, destruction, lack of supplies, of medicine, of water, of electricity, and the last not the least and first of all, lack of security etc… As a matter of fact, in Syria we have always been, in these last few decades, enjoying religious freedom, with some of other human rights, things were improving on that regard toward more democracy and freedom since the beginning of this third millennium.

Your community and faithful are suffering (persecution, wars, conflicts, blasphemy laws, etc.): how do you evaluate the evolution of international pressure for a peaceful resolution of conflicts?

The international pressure for a peaceful resolution of our conflict is nearly null; plenty of words without any effects! It looks like if, they don’t want to stop the war which fits their interests, they make it happened, why do you want them to stop it.

Are the International organizations (UN, EU) playing a positive role in resolving the conflict? From your point of view, is a better understanding between the powerful nations or a more effective international action needed?

(UN, EU) they are apparently playing a neutral role, and sometimes obviously negative, they look like doing it very often, and we do not understand why their position never takes our Government reports and views in consideration. I am afraid they have had, and since 2011, the Nato and Gulf Countries position in mind as a priority. They should free themselves, seek equity, and try to be righteous in their statements.

What should Catholics and Christian politicians do to help the Church and the Christian communities in the region?

The Catholic organizations are indeed doing their best to help Christian communities in our region , but the Western Christian politicians are nearly doing nothing (the results are showing so); they have to be more firm and more demanding to their governments in order to push them towards saying the truth and stopping the lies of their media. The help expected is that the politicians could be instrumental in reaching peace by stopping the fight and promoting discussion and dialogue aiming to a peaceful settlement.

What do you think about the ‘sanctions’ as an instrument towards any Goverments is not respecting Religious Freedom?

The ‘’sanctions’’ are not useful; they serve only, to make innocent people suffer. Nevertheless, and it needs to be said, and once for all, the government in Syria has always respected Religious Freedom. We must recognize that minorities are well treated and feel comfortable in the country. They have no complain on that regard.

Are Christians undergoing a violent genocide in the Middle East? Why was this unleashed violence unprecedented in recent years?

The Christians in the Near East would have never faced such a genocide. It seems like if DAECH has been sent and supported by some foreign countries for a proxy-warfare to serve their interests and those of Israel and Turkey. Their planning was the establishment of a confessional Muslim state ruled by the Coran laws and run by a theocratic fundamentalist dictatorship of the “Muslim Brothers” monitored by OTOMAN neo-empire. The unprecedented violence was just a tactical move in their well-known strategy in order to terrorize people and submit them firmly under their domination.

What does His Holyness think about the Novae Terrae Foundation Petition initiative to lift any economic sanctions against Syria, following the threeb syrian patriarchs request?

His Holyness is approving the Novae Terrae Foundation Petition initiative to lift any economic sanctions against Syria, as well as ourselves. We hope that it will give positive and significant results, and that this action will be successful in releasing   the suffering of millions of innocent poor people.