Statement Regarding the 67th Anniversary of Syria’s Independence

Cairo, Egypt, April 17, 2013 – Times of adversity reveal the true strength and courage of a people. Syria's history books point to this, and the history books of the future will be adorned with pages about the Syrian revolution for freedom and dignity.

April 17, 1946 marked a pivotal moment in our history: the salvation of Syrians from French colonialism. This event is dear to the heart of every Syrian, as it restored Syrian independence and dignity and gave birth to the modern Syria.

However, another grand challenge awaits the people of Syria. Today, we fight for independence from a tyranny that grips the political and social fabric of our glorious homeland, and suffocates the people with an oppressive totalitarian rule. The Syrian people decided to stand up for their political and human rights and fight for their independence once again.

The last 25 months of struggle have revealed the true character of the Syrian people. In our uprising, we have discovered the proud woman and the courageous man; the rebel and the revolutionary; the politician, intellectual, and the anonymous soldier. All of these Syrians share an ultimate goal that unites us: the determination to live in a free, just and dignified Syria. It is with these same honorable goals that Sultan Pasha Al-Atrash launched the great Syrian Revolution of 1925.

Although we suffer from many adversities, our only choice is to hold onto the principles that ignited us. The greatest gift we can give the martyrs of our revolution is our continued perseverance in this struggle.

We pay tribute to the heroes of our Independence on this 67th anniversary.

We pay tribute to the heroes of our revolution, which is in its 3rd year.

We ask for mercy for our martyrs, past, present and future.

Long live Syria and its people, free and with honor.