Ambassador Bolewski Participates in Televised Debate on the Syrian Crisis

On August 28th, Ambassador Wilfried Bolewski participated in a debate about the Syrian crisis on TV channel France 24. As we are facing a potential escalation towards intervention-oriented military action, he was asked to bring to the debate his dual expertise as an international lawyer and career diplomat.

Professor Bolewski analyzed how a military intervention bypassing the United Nations would be legally justified under international law. He explained that the legally valid decision-making is based on the UN Charter and customary international law, along with the 2005 Responsibility to Protect initiative and the UN resolution on Libya.

Commenting on the consequent risks of such an intervention, Ambassador Bolewski noted: “Looking at the legal framework of any military action, you have to keep in mind that these actions are only accepted by the international community as a measurement of international customary law and whether they are necessary and appropriate.” He further went on to state what in fact were necessary and appropriate measures in accordance to the circumstances. In this case, he emphasized that the only legal aim is: to stop….. not to punish, as there are other judicial organs for punishment, such as the International Criminal Court.

On the proposed notion of regime change within the Syrian nation, Ambassador Bolewski said that a regime change within Syria would need to be justified by the defense of the entire population against inhuman attacks, and should be proposed only as a last resort. When asked about the influence of public opinion and whether it is a factor in swaying government action, Ambassador Bolewski stated that the acceptance of a military intervention by the national and international communities are of the greatest importance, not only in terms of legitimacy but also in terms of legality in the creation of international law.

A diplomat, lawyer and professor, formerly German Ambassador to Jamaica, Belize and the Bahamas, Ambassador Bolewski teaches Diplomacy and International Law at AGS (see profile). Also participating in the debate were Patricia Lalonde, Researcher at France’s Institute for Prospective and Security in Europe, Philip Stonor, Former Deputy and UK Defence Attaché in Paris, Colonel Rick Francona, Retired Intelligence Officer, as well as France 24 journalists Philip Crowther and Catherine Norris-Trent.

Watch debate: