Press release
Syrian Opposition Coalition – Syria
Department of Media and Communications
June 17, 2020
Today as the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act takes effect, it imposes a new equation that bypasses Russia’s longstanding obstruction – through the use of its veto power – of all international tracks seeking to reach a political solution.
Caesar Act will deprive the Assad regime of a great deal of support from its backers as well as will deny it access to the resources it is using in its war against the Syrian people. The Act will also disrupt military solution once and for all and will revitalize the UN-led political process.
The Act targets the Assad regime’s interests, security agencies, and senior criminals as well as everyone who supports the regime’s crimes, whether they are states, institutions, companies, or individuals.
The Act excludes food, humanitarian and medical aid in order to relieve pressure on ordinary Syrians.
The political negotiating track is still viable. Caesar Act can be suspended should the Assad regime stop killing, detention, and mass forced displacement as well as take concrete steps in the issue of detainees. The Act thus is a real opportunity to salvage Syria and move toward a real political solution in accordance with UN resolutions, including UN resolution 2254 leading to an inclusive political transition that would ensure the safe return of refugees and usher in the rebuilding of the destruction that was caused by the regime.
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