The Finnish Ambassador to Lebanon and Chargé d’affaires of the Finnish Embassy in Syria, Anne Meskanen, stated that the situation in Suwayda, southern Syria, poses a serious security concern.
In an interview with the Saudi news outlet Al Arabiya on Wednesday, July 23, she emphasized that the Syrian authorities bear responsibility for de-escalating the situation and restoring calm across Syria, adding that they must ensure accountability for all crimes.
Meskanen called on President Ahmad al-Sharaa, who is leading Syria during the transitional phase, to uphold his promises of inclusivity and the rule of law, noting that he and his government have pledged to build a new Syria based on national reconciliation, rule of law, separation of powers, human rights, and fundamental freedoms for all Syrians without discrimination.
Finland, she said, looks forward to seeing an inclusive government representing all Syrian communities, including equal participation for women. It is very important for Finland that all minorities are guaranteed full, equal, and meaningful participation in all areas of political and societal life.
Administrative Decentralization
“Administrative decentralization must become more than just a slogan. In light of recent developments, it is important to grant local authorities real financial autonomy and genuine decision-making power,” said the Finnish diplomat, stressing that this “does not entail any separatist tendencies.”
Helsinki hopes that, following the fall of the al-Assad regime, Syrians will have the opportunity to reunify their country, stabilize it, rebuild it, and restore justice and accountability.
The Syrian authorities must now do everything in their power to open a new chapter in the country’s history, Meskanen said, believing that Syria’s recovery requires more attention—not only in material terms, but also institutionally, ethically, and politically.
She condemned any acts of unilateral foreign military presence in Syria, as well as any attempts to undermine Syria’s stability and prospects for a peaceful transition.
She also called on Israel to respect the demilitarized buffer zone and abide by the terms of the Disengagement Agreement signed between Syria and Israel on 31 May 1974.
She noted that Finland, as a member of the European Union, has urged all external actors—without exception—to fully respect Syria’s unity, independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
Suwayda Events
Suwayda Governorate continues to experience a security and humanitarian crisis following violent incidents and violations committed by both the government and armed clans as well as local factions loyal to the Druze spiritual leader, Hikmat al-Hijri.
The events began after mutual kidnappings between Bedouin tribes in Suwayda and Druze-aligned local factions, which were followed by the Syrian government’s intervention, met with resistance and Israeli shelling, further complicating the situation.
The Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR) documented the killing of at least 558 people and the injury of more than 783 others, with varying degrees of severity, in Suwayda Governorate in southern Syria between 13 and 21 July.
According to the report published on 21 July, the casualties include 17 women, 11 children, and 6 medical personnel (including 3 women) as well as 2 media workers, amid intense clashes and escalating violence that included extrajudicial killings, mutual shelling, and airstrikes by Israeli aircraft.
The initial toll also included fighters from armed Bedouin tribal groups, local non-state factions from Suwayda, and members of the Internal Security Forces and the Ministry of Defense affiliated with the Syrian government.
Finland Holds Syrian Government Responsible for De-escalation in Suwayda Enab Baladi.
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