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Lamia al-Hariri the Syrian ambassador in Cyprus
Mrs. Lamia you declared your defection two days ago. Would you pls let us know how you made the decision?
The decision wasn’t a sudden one in fact, it was taken a while back since the beginning of the revolution
but circumstances did not allow this defection until now
when the opportunity came I soon defected
What circumstances?
Personal and family circumstances
It is noticed that defection among diplomats in Syria is shy compared to Libya and Yemen, why do you think?
There is huge repression to families of diplomats or any defector, and I believe the reason is behind the fear of the regime’s reactions
Your defection after a year and a half since the beginning of the revolution might seem late to some people, did you wait for something? Did you consider your decision more justified now?
No, not really. As I said I had made the decision long back but there were certain circumstances
I had connections with the rebels and the opposition and they would tell me to stay and help being in such position
Do you blame fellow diplomats for hesitating to declare defection?
No, never. I just encourage them to take that step and do the same, and taste freedom which I feel now, I’m happy and proud I took this brave move
Do you know of any colleagues who are thinking of doing the same?
Not directly, but I think, knowing few of them with certain ways of thinking,
they might have the intention of defecting, and I believe this could be a start for my colleagues to defect
The Syrian regime questioned your motives and claimed you were bribed into defection, what do you say?
The regime has the right to say what they please, and I have the same right. I gave up many things and sacrificed a lot for my stand
Money is the last thing I thought of, and I believe I gave up many material things to take this bold step
They say you were not the ambassador but the head of the Syrian delegation in Cyprus, and that you defected when knowing you won’t become an ambassador.
Never, since the launching of the Syrian embassy in Cyprus there was no ambassador and the head of delegation was always the highest rank
I was the head of delegation and I had the right to act as an ambassador, and wherever I went the government in Cyprus treated me as an ambassador
I never claimed to have been an ambassador, but as the head of the delegation I was treated as such
You’re almost an opposition to the regime now, will you settle with the defection, or will you do more as a response to what the regime is doing?
Like what?
Only the defection is enough for you?
I can’t predict any future moves now
The Syrian National Council for example, do you find a place for you there?
I don’t have contacts with them and never thought about it
My admission was to make a stand in favor of the great Syrian revolution which I was proud of and supported since day one.
How do you evaluate the position of the Syrian regime now? And where will the revolution get to in the near future?
The regime lost its legitimacy with the first bullet fired at its nation, and I don’t believe any political future is there unless all regime figures gave up power
and gave it to the people
Thank you very much Lamia al-Hariri head of the diplomatic delegation in Cypru�