Determined Quote by Mohammad Javad Zarif
“Nobody thinks identically on Syria. But we share the same view with Russia that the future of the personalities in Syria will be determined by the people of Syria and not by people outside Syria.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: UN Security Council, 2023
He argues that while opinions differ, both Russia and others agree that Syrians themselves should decide their future, not external forces.
In simple terms: Syrians should decide their own future.
Key Takeaway
Support local agency in Syria.
Themes
sovereignty
self-determination
conflict resolution
Mood
cautious
hopeful
Type
political
analytical
When to use this quote
- diplomacy
- policy making
- humanitarian aid
- media analysis
Key Concepts
political theory
international law
regional politics
Questions to Reflect On
- What mechanisms ensure genuine Syrian participation?
- How can the international community respect sovereignty while aiding?
A Different Perspective
External actors often claim to protect while limiting autonomy.
![“[Bashar] Assad himself has said on several occasions recently that if the people of Syria don't believe I should be there in the future, then I would step - I would leave. He has said it. He has, on occasion, hinted that he wants a political settlement of one kind or another. I think it's up to…” quote by John F. Kerry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f4e/john-f-kerry-996_assad_bashar-assad-himself-has-said-on-several_789819.jpg)
![“It is important for everybody to insure that the process will go on, that the ceasefire will hold. Of course, there is no ceasefire against Daesh [the Islamic State], Jabhat al Nusra, and Al Qaeda.” quote by Mohammad Javad Zarif](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/184/mohammad-javad-zarif-24134_al-qaeda_it-is-important-for-everybody-to-insure_507520.jpg)
![“We're [Iran] not dismantling anything. We are uninstalling some centrifuges and reconstructing the Arak reactor, modernizing it. . . . The remaining activities that we need undertake will not take more than several days, less than two weeks.” quote by Mohammad Javad Zarif](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d8b/mohammad-javad-zarif-24134_activity_we-re-iran-not-dismantling-anything-we-a_958452.jpg)
