Khaddam gave an interview to the liberal website Middle East Transparent in Brussels (Arabic. ME Transparent, 3/29/06)., in which he repeated his claim that change in Syria is very near, and that the UN investigation will directly accuse Bashar Asad: "I have lived in this regime and I know its past and I know how to dismantle it. So far I have only threatened. But everything in due time. We have a program. Every step in its time."
Regarding the NSF's recent conference, Khaddam explained that some opposition parties were not able to attend for various reasons, including travel problems. Commenting on the Muslim Brotherhood, Khaddam said that they were "a serious and essential element, and their role is essential." He added, "there are other movements with representative weight inside Syria . The common denominator is change and establishing a democratic government in the country." He went on, "we plan on bringing down the regime and establishing a transitional government for 6 months to hold legislative elections. The new government after the election will set the program for the future."
Khaddam attacked Bashar Asad, stating that while the current situation in Syria is the result of a long history, Bashar' recklessness has exacerbated it: "Bashar came from the womb of the regime." He also rejected any cooperation with Rifaat Asad, Bashar's exiled uncle.
Khaddam briefly explained his defection, "I was intent on defecting right after Hafez Asad's death, but some Arabs and Syrians urged me to stay. However, I became convinced that reform is impossible, and I waited for the [Baath] Party conference [last summer] to resign."
Khaddam concluded there is now an almost unanimous consensus in Syria on the need for change in.
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