ASIA/SYRIA - Peace Agreement in Qalamoun based on the line drawn by opponents in Rome

Damascus (Agenzia Fides) - New success of the "Mussalaha" (Reconciliation) initiative, which is working to prove that there is a "third way" possible, alternative to war and weapons, that of civil society.
According to what local sources told Fides, on July 30 a "historic agreement between the opposition forces of Qalamoun and representatives of Mussalaha of Yabroud, Qara, Nebek and Deir Atieh and surrounding area was signed." The region of Qalamoun is an area of highlands located between Damascus and Homs, which includes the Christian villages of Maaloula (where Aramaic is still spoken, the vernacular language of Jesus) and Saydnaya (where the shrine of the Mother of God is located) in addition to the ancient monasteries of St. Tecla, Mar Touma, Mar Moussa and Mar Yakoub. The population is predominantly Sunni but there is also a strong Christian presence that is respected thanks to a pact that dates back to times of Saladin.
For months, several villages in the region, had proclaimed themselves "independent" and had paralyzed state institutions (municipalities, police stations, courts) and civil life (with widespread and permanent strikes). This phase of civil disobedience was accompanied by an armed insurrection by gunmen that attacked army positions, but also some civilians deemed close to the government or too conciliatory with the regime. The militiamen were added to the gangs who took advantage of the disorder and the lack of security to kidnap people for ransom and robberies against factories, warehouses, shops.
Yesterday's agreement joins the declaration of Rome of opposition groups gathered by the Community of St. Egidio (see Fides 27/07/2012). On the basis of this agreement, the opposition renounce the military option and, therefore, forbids its members to attack government, military or security forces and civilians. It casts down its arms and puts security in the hands of the State. On its behalf, the government continues to give the civilian population the freedom to express themselves democratically through demonstrations and sit-ins.
Thanks to the agreement, refer Fides sources, the political prisoners who were not guilty of violent crimes have been released and abducted persons for political or financial gain have been released from prison. "The Sunni families divided between opponents and loyalists as well as opponents of different factions find themselves united by this agreement, which once again demonstrates the power of persuasion of civil society " concludes Fides sources. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 31/07/2012)