Syrian Coalition: We Have not Received Invitation to Cairo Meeting

The Syrian Coalition welcomes “Cairo’s efforts to help the Syrian opposition blocs lay out a common position on negotiations with the Assad regime, stressing the importance of Cairo’s role in supporting the Syrian people’s demands for freedom and dignity.” Syrian Coalition spokesman said that “we have not received a formal invitation to attend the Cairo meeting although certain Syrian Coalition members were invited to attend the meeting as individuals but do not represent the Syrian Coalition as a whole.” He also said that “we held consultations with the National Coordination Commission to agree on a memorandum of understanding and draft a roadmap for a political solution in Syria to achieve the aspirations of the Syrian people. All the Syrian opposition blocs share the same vision and the goals though they may differ on the mechanisms of achieving these goals. International backing of these efforts is needed to force the Assad regime sit the negotiating table.” Meslet stresses that “we renounce any linking between terrorist organizations and the Syrian revolution which broke out to achieve legitimate goals and aspirations, and any mixing between the two will undermine all efforts aimed at reaching a political solution.” Meslet reiterates the Syrian Coalition’s full commitment to “the principles and objectives of the Syrian revolution, stressing that no one has the right to circumvent or waive any of its legitimate demands. The enormous sacrifices that the Syrian people continue to make entail that we work sincerely to achieve the aspirations of the Syrian people, most notably ending tyranny and regaining freedom, dignity and democracy.” (Source: Syrian Coalition)