President of the Syrian Opposition Coalition (SOC), Nasr Al-Hariri, held a virtual meeting with the Dominican representative to the United Nations, José Singer Weisinger, and discussed with him the latest developments in Syria on the sidelines of the 75th session of the UN General Assembly.
Participants also included Coordinator of the SOC’s Department of Foreign Relations, Abdulahad Asteipho and the SOC’s representative to the United Nations, Maryam Jalabi.
Al-Hariri talked about the results of the rounds of talks by the Constitutional Committee, pointing out that after three rounds a draft of the constitution was not drawn up due to the refusal of the regime and its backers to engage in serious discussion of the essence of the constitutional process.
Al-Hariri stressed that the Assad regime refuses to make any concessions that may threaten its hold on power, adding that the delegation of the Syrian Negotiations Commission has already prepared proposals for the constitution that focus on the separation of legislative, executive, and judicial powers.
Moreover, he stressed the need for international pressure on the Assad regime and its backers in order to reach a political solution that meets the aspirations of the Syrian people and ensures implementation of international resolutions, especially UN resolution 2254.
Al-Hariri pointed to the importance of accountability and preventing impunity as he stressed the need to refer those involved in war crimes to the International Criminal Court.
He pointed out that the results of the work of the Constitutional Committee disappointed the Syrians who are suffering dire humanitarian and living conditions that were further compounded by the coronavirus crisis.
Al-Hariri indicated that the Assad regime is seeking to sabotage the ceasefire agreement by fabricating pretexts, adding that the regime still insists on pursuing a bloody military solution.
He also stressed the need for confidence-building measures laid out in international resolutions by releasing detainees and allowing the delivery of humanitarian aid to those in need, adding that the issue of detainees must not be subject to negotiations.
Al-Hariri called for ratcheting up pressure on the regime to force it to release detainees.
The two sides discussed the refugees issue, while al-Hariri stressed that the return of refugees depends on achieving a political solution and creating a safe, neutral environment for their voluntary, safe, and dignified return. (Source: SOC’s Media Department)
