Al-Tayar Al-Sha’aby calls for march against US intervention in Syria

Joel Gulhane
2 Min Read
A Syrian couple mourn in front of bodies after what rebels said was a toxic gas attack in Ghouta on August 21, 2013 (SHAAM NEWS NETWORK/AFP, Ammar al-Arbini)
A Syrian couple mourn in front of bodies after what rebels said was a toxic gas attack in Ghouta on August 21, 2013 (SHAAM NEWS NETWORK/AFP, Ammar al-Arbini)
A Syrian couple mourn in front of bodies after what rebels said was a toxic gas attack in Ghouta on August 21, 2013 (SHAAM NEWS NETWORK/AFP, Ammar al-Arbini)

Al-Tayar Al-Sha’aby has announced a march planned for Monday to oppose a potential United States military strike on Syrian regime targets in response to the use of chemical weapons.

The movement called on Egyptians to “participate in a peaceful march against the aggression on Syria,” according to the event posted on its Facebook page. The march has been timed to coincide with the US Senate discussion on a resolution to authorise a strike by the US armed forces.

Emad Hamdy, spokesperson for Al-Tayar Al-Sha’aby said the group supports a political solution to the crisis and fully rejects military aggression. He also stated that the march is set to oppose the Arab League stance on the issue, which did not directly oppose military action but called for the United Nations and international community to “carry out their responsibilities.” Hamdy also pointed to Saudi Arabia and Qatar because both countries have expressed support for the US on this issue.

The movement’s stance closely reflects that of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that also opposes a military strike against the Syrian regime and stresses the need for a political solution to the conflict. The ministry also highlighted that any strike carried out must be verified by the United Nations Security Council, under Chapter VII of the international organisation’s charter.

The march is expected to start at 4pm in Simon Bolivar Square, close to Tahrir Square. Al-Tayar Al-Sha’aby plan for the march to head towards the US embassy in Garden City.

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Joel Gulhane is a journalist with an interest in Egyptian and regional politics. Follow him on Twitter @jgulhane
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