Hijri: The discussion about separation is baseless.

The Sheikh Hikmat Al-Hajri stated that he "does not demand separation or secession from Syria," following days of calling for the involvement of influential countries in the Syrian file to achieve a civil state. Al-Hajri's statement came today, Tuesday, March 4, after "Israeli" statements regarding their protection of the Druze in Syria, which led to accusations against the people of Suwayda on social media of seeking separation from Syria. The promotion of this idea was reinforced by the lack of military factions in the province taking actual steps to join the Ministry of Defense, similar to other military factions previously active in Idlib and rural Aleppo. Al-Hajri added, "Our project is a clear national one, unity of Syria in land and people. We want to live with our dignity, this is what we demand. We were in one phase and now in a transitional phase, the situation is very delicate, we must unite." He pointed out that the talk about separation is baseless. Al-Hajri criticized the Damascus government days ago, telling Reuters on February 24, "So far, we respect all opinions, but we have not seen the ability to lead the country or form the state correctly." He continued, "We are moving forward with that, hoping that things will become organized or something new will happen by the end of the transitional period." Al-Hajri urged the involvement of influential countries in the Syrian file to ensure that the political process leads to a civil state, with a separation of powers and the rule of law. On the other hand, the Druze spiritual leaders Hamoud Al-Hanawi and Youssef Jarboua condemned any talk of separation and affirmed their support for the unity of Syrian territories. In Suwayda, the Druze spiritual leadership is an inherited religious authority, with three main families at the top of the leadership hierarchy: Al-Hajri, Jarboua, and Al-Hanawi, along with other spiritual leaders. Demonstrators in Al-Karama Square and other areas in Suwayda held protests rejecting the Israeli statements and intervention in Syria. The protesters affirmed the unity of Syrian territories and criticized the silence of the Damascus government regarding the Israeli incursions and statements.