Ammar Al-Hakim calls for Syrian self-determination and unity

BAGHDAD — Ammar Al-Hakim, the leader of Iraq’s Hikma Movement, on Sunday called for allowing the Syrian people to determine their own future through a supervised constitutional process and a democratic political transition that includes all factions of society. He emphasized the need to preserve Syria’s territorial integrity and strengthen the historical and strategic ties between Iraq and Syria.

In a statement issued by his media office, Al-Hakim highlighted the importance of self-determination for the Syrian people. “We are closely following the rapid developments in our sister nation Syria and reaffirm the necessity of providing the Syrian people with the opportunity to shape their destiny through a constitution adopted under fair oversight and a democratic political transition inclusive of all its components,” he said. He also stressed the importance of ensuring inclusivity and rejecting marginalization or exclusion.

Al-Hakim called for the protection of religious sanctities, particularly Islamic shrines, and for safeguarding minorities from ideological or religious persecution. He underscored the importance of Syria’s independence from foreign interference.

“We stress the need to maintain Syria’s unity, safeguard its territorial integrity, and protect it from external ambitions,” al-Hakim said, reiterating the deep historical and mutual interests shared by Iraq and Syria.

Concluding his statement, he prayed for peace and stability across the region. “May God protect our sister Syria, its people, and all Arab and Islamic nations from harm,” he said.

Ammar Al-Hakim was among the first Iraqi political figures to voice strong opposition to the rebel attacks on Aleppo, underscoring his commitment to stability and sovereignty in the region. In a statement at the time, al-Hakim condemned the violence, stating that such actions endangered civilians and undermined prospects for peace. He called for “an end to hostilities that target the unity and resilience of Syria,” emphasizing the importance of a peaceful resolution that includes all Syrian components without marginalization.