NICOSIA, Cyprus — As Syria embarks on a path toward healing from decades of autocratic governance by the Assad family, an international representative emphasizes that Christians and other religious communities are hopeful their rights and freedoms will be safeguarded within a new constitutional framework.
Salina Shambos, a seasoned diplomat from Cyprus and the recently appointed special envoy for religious freedom and minority protection in the Middle East, shared on Friday that Syria’s religious leaders are expressing a “strong sense of patriotism.” They feel “free to hope” for a more inclusive nation that can reclaim its standing in the global community.
Prior to the onset of Syria’s civil war in 2011, Christians constituted around 10% of the population. Many either sought refuge in other countries or supported the ousted president Bashar Assad, driven by fear of rising Islamist extremism.
The interim government has called for reconciliation among various ethnic groups within the nation and emphasized the importance of mutual respect across different religious affiliations. The population breakdown indicates that about three-quarters of Syria’s 23 million citizens are Sunni Muslims, while Alawites comprise one-tenth, with the remainder being a blend of Christians, Ismaili Shiites, and Druze.
Shambos noted that the current dynamics in Syria are unpredictable, raising concerns among multiple faith groups regarding the protection of their rights in any forthcoming regime.
“We’re dealing with religious leaders and a civil society anxious to ensure safeguards in an inclusive constitutional process,” Shambos explained during her interview. “These individuals are deeply patriotic and genuinely relieved that the oppressive regime has been toppled, yet they still harbor concerns but remain optimistic.”
She acknowledged that early developments from Syria’s transitional government are promising, although apprehensions linger.
“The leadership seems to be speaking positively. We hope they will also translate their words into action,” Shambos remarked.
In Lebanon, Shambos mentioned that religious figures conveyed their “absolute belief that they’re not minorities,” arguing that this label undermines their vital contributions to the sociocultural and political landscape of their nations.
During her recent three-day visit to Lebanon and Syria, she engaged in discussions with Christian leaders from various backgrounds, including Orthodox, Maronite, Armenian, and Armenian evangelical communities. This trip marked her initial venture in her new role, aimed at gaining more insight into the expectations and aspirations of diverse religious groups in the two countries.
Shambos stressed the importance of preserving the identities of these communities, both Christian and otherwise, especially within the context of Syria and neighboring regions like Iraq. “Maintaining these identities is crucial for reducing societal tensions and is essential for regional stability and the collective security of our global partners,” she stated.
Her appointment aligns with a strategy from Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides to position Cyprus as a connector between Middle Eastern nations and the European Union, benefiting from its geographical closeness to the region. Cyprus’ Greek Orthodox Church maintains robust relationships with other Orthodox Christian denominations across the Middle East and is home to various Christian groups, including Armenian, Latin, and Maronite Christians. The Turkish Cypriot population in the northern segment of the island predominantly practices Sunni Islam.
Shambos indicated that officials from both Syria and Lebanon expressed appreciation for Cyprus’ active involvement.
Cyprus is strategically situated to serve as a mediator between the Middle East and Europe, not only due to its geographic proximity but also because of shared cultural, religious, and social elements that enhance its ability to convey regional insights, according to her.
She emphasized that the revival of Syria needs to be a homegrown initiative while religious leaders in Syria are looking for European Union support to ensure the protection of all minority rights within an inclusive constitutional framework.
“Whatever unfolds in the Middle East is almost an internal matter for us given Cyprus’ closeness to the region. What occurs here is directly related to our own security and that of Europe,” Shambos concluded.
