Vice-president of the Syrian Coalition Abdul Hakim Bashar called upon the international community to fulfill its obligations under international law to protect civilians in Syria. He said that instead of standing by doing nothing, the international community must act to stop the escalating aerial attacks by the Assad regime and Russian forces on Aleppo
Bashar condemned the barbaric aggression by the Assad regime and Russia on the Syrian people and criticized the international community’s failure to stop such an aggression “as if the US-Russian sponsored ceasefire agreement were non-existent.” He reaffirmed the opposition’s commitment to a political solution in accordance with international resolutions, most importantly the Geneva Communique of 2012 which calls for the formation of a transitional governing body without Bashar al- Assad and his inner circle.
Bashar reiterated the right of Syrian rebel and FSA groups to defend themselves by all legitimate means, stressing that nothing can defeat the will of the Syrian people and their revolution. He cited the ongoing rebel and FSA offensive to break the siege on Aleppo as an example of the Syrian people’s strong resolve to defeat Assad.
Rebel and FSA groups on Sunday launched a major offensive to the break the siege regime forces and the allied foreign militias have imposed on the rebel-held parts of the city since early July. Activists published videos and photos showing children in the besieged neighborhoods setting tires on fire in order to ward off the regime and Russian jets.
“A permanent solution in Syria cannot include Assad, his aides, terrorist groups such as ISIS and the Nusra Front or extremist groups such as the militias of the Democratic Union Party (PYD),” Bashar said.” Excluding these groups is essential to restoring, peace, security and stability in Syria and to establish a free and democratic Syria.” (Source: Syrian Coalition)
