Adib Shishakli's resignation speech to the Syrian public - 25 February 1954

My fellow Syrians,

 

A group of partisan army officers, influenced by party interests, has staged a mutiny in several Syrian regions to overthrow the constitutional government of the country.

 

I could have simply suppressed this movement; given the trust you have put in me, the powers granted to me by the Constitution, the huge forces deployed in the Southern region, and the support I received from of those forces.

 

However, suppressing this movement would have meant dividing and tearing apart the Syrian Army; our flesh and blood; our asset for the ultimate national battle; and our shield against the enemy. It would have meant infighting within our cherished army when the enemy is at our doorstep and plots are being hatched against our independence. Sedition is being revived, driven by selfish whims, racist inclinations and colonial ambitions that would thrive on the bloodshed of the people of this safe country.

 

This is not what I had wanted for my country when I risked my life, on more than one occasion, to maintain its independence; protect its republican system; enhance its national sovereignty; and make its heroic army a fortress of freedom in the Arab East.

 

For the sake of maintaining the above and averting bloodshed among my fellow Syrians or within the army that I would sacrifice my life for; for the sake of the Arab World that I have always wanted to serve with impartiality and dedication, I hereby submit my resignation as President of the Syrian Arab Republic, to my beloved Syrians who elected me and put their valued trust in me. I hope that this decision will serve the best interests of my country; I pray to God to protect it from all evil, guide it towards unity, strength, and to grant it ultimate glory and splendor.

 

Damascus 25 February 1954

 

President of the Syrian Arab Republic Adib Al-Shishakli