Syrian Official Disputes Reuters Report on ‘Revolution’ Cadillacs
In response to a Reuters report, Ahmad Muhammad Dib Ta’meh, the director of political affairs for the Damascus countryside, has refuted claims about a meeting in Idlib. The report alleged that Syrian President Ahmad Al-Shareh rebuked officials and business leaders for possessing luxury vehicles, including Cadillac Escalades, Range Rovers, and Chevrolet Tahoes. Ta’meh, however, provided a different account of the gathering.
Ta’meh’s Account of the Meeting
Ta’meh took to the platform X to address the Reuters report directly. He stated that the information in the report was inaccurate, as he was present at the meeting in Bab al-Hawa. He clarified that President Al-Shareh did not discuss the issue of luxury cars as reported. Instead, Ta’meh described the meeting as a positive one, held after the liberation of the area. He mentioned that the discussion centered on current challenges and the future vision for Syria. Ta’meh also denied any mention of cars or illicit gains during the gathering.
The Incident and Context
Ta’meh further explained that his own car, like many others, had broken down that day, leading him to leave it in Idlib and return with a friend. He noted that President Al-Shareh focused on past memories, the blessings they had received, and the present challenges. The president offered guidance and advice, emphasizing the need to be cautious about government missteps and to preserve the gains of the Syrian revolution.
The Reuters report, which Ta’meh denies, had indicated that President Al-Shareh had allegedly reprimanded officials in Idlib for their luxury car ownership and demanded they hand over their keys, threatening investigations into illicit gains. The Syrian Ministry of Information told Reuters that the meeting was informal and discussed political and security challenges, as well as the need to change the previous regime’s investment culture. While the ministry confirmed the president’s stance against corruption, it denied the claims about the car keys.
Other Perspectives
Other attendees also disputed the Reuters narrative. Muhammad Khaled wrote on Facebook that the meeting was not about economics but concluded with general recommendations, including that government officials should avoid competing with business people in the market.
Source: Annahar
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