**Clarifications Regarding the Statement by Michael Ratney, the United States Special Envoy to Syria**

Hay’at Tahrir Al-Shaam (HTS) has clearly defined itself from the day of its inception. We have reaffirmed our commitment to the goals of our revolution, which are represented in toppling Al-Assad’s criminal regime. We have also stated that we are fully independent and do not represent any foreign body or organization. Further, we have clarified that the establishment of HTS symbolizes a new phase of the Syrian revolution. The members of HTS are members of this revolutionary nation. They have pledged to champion the cause of their people and to protect them and their Islamic identity.

In late 2016, the people of Syria marched in massive protests demanding a merger of all revolutionary forces and a complete unity. The decision to form HTS was a direct response to these demands and came after careful consideration of the sensitive phase that we are going through in this great revolution.

In an unprecedented initiative, the most effective key forces of the revolution announced the complete disbandment of all organizations and the establishment of a new body, namely: Hay’at Tahrir Al-Shaam (HTS), the aim being to establish a collaborative nucleus, a unified project that would act as a shield for the revolution, guarantee the journey is continued and ensure that its achievements would not go to waste. This project is the choice of our people, who showed tremendous support and backing of the announcement. After six long years of this revolution, the Syrian people have gained enough experience to allow them to distinguish friend from foe. They can determine very clearly those defending them and those who falsely claim their representation, inhumanely playing on their vulnerabilities and traumatic events.

Since the ignition of the Syrian revolution, the United States has been incapable of taking a decisive and definite stance. They have, on numerous occasions, contradicted their claims of freedom, the right to self-determination and human rights. They have done this by backing oppressive tyrants against the nations endeavouring to achieve their freedom and dignity. These acts have further illustrated their hypocrisy and double standards regarding their decisions. This is because their methodology in determining benefits is purely driven by their self interest, not the interests of our people. As a result, their vested interests take precedence to the interests of the people, their demands and concerns.

This selfish policy has resulted in their constant preclusion of the hopes of our people as they insist on breaking their resolve and ending their revolution by the following:

1- Affirming the legitimacy of the Assad regime, refusing to topple it, covering up its war crimes and turning a blind eye to them. A clear example was that of the chemical attack in 2013.

2- Permitting Iran and their militias to invade Syrian territory, while also turning a blind eye and remaining silent to their war crimes.

3- The support of the PKK and their racist policies against the natives of the land they govern.

4- Allowing Russian air-strikes against civilians, which have completely abolished entire towns and villages.

These are but some of the reasons that have caused the Syrian people to reconsider the position of the United States; this has allowed them to develop a clear vision of their reality, which poses the question: “What has the United States done for Syria?” and “What are the measures of determining this friendship that Michael Ratney claims?”

The “friends of Syria” do not stand with the enemy of the Syrian people; they do not back tyrants aiming to annihilate them; they do not support the onslaught of a nation. Self-proclaimed champions of international peace and stability should not violate sovereign lands by allowing every invader “a piece of the pie”, all while preventing anyone wishing to rescue the victims to act!

After the first glimmer of hope on a path to fulfilling the Syrian people’s hopes and aspirations, the United States, represented by their Special Envoy to Syria, Michael Ratney, attempts to mislead the public regarding the formation of HTS. It aims to misdirect the revolution so the people do not achieve their goals. It does this by casting doubts and fears about this project and eventually hopes to end the revolution and separate its members from the masses.

The United States also hopelessly strives to interfere in the affairs of the revolutionary forces and their internal structure and strike discord among its members. This will lead to its ultimate goal of infighting rather than remain focused on the enemy whom all weapons are currently drawn at.

We would like to reaffirm that HTS is the project of a united nation. Their doors are open to all those wanting to aid, support and defend our cause and our people. Millions of people world-wide share this hope and have stood in solidarity with this project for this nation and people. Our project is clear in its vision, goal and mission. We are stronger as we stand by our sincere Mujahideen brothers. We are proud of the leaders, thinkers and great minds of our nation and hope to complete a project that will bring relief and joy to every free Muslim who seeks a better future for his children and family, a future of honor, dignity and resolve.

**HTS**

**Administration of Political Affairs**

**13 Joumada Alakhira 1438 — 12 Mars 2017**