The Syrian Opposition Coalition (SOC) welcomed the joint statement issued by the Syria Core Group, namely by the foreign ministers of France, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, the United Kingdom and the United States, especially with regard to the statement’s reaffirmation of commitment to a political solution in line with UN Security Council resolution 2254.
In a press release issued on Friday, the SOC said that the statement’s emphasis on the need to support the efforts of the UN envoy to push the political process forward and to work to hold the fourth round of talks by the Constitutional Committee is of paramount importance.
“We also welcome the statement’s emphasis on the importance of taking further steps to discuss all tracks of the political solution as was outlined in UN Security Council resolution 2254. These tracks include the call for the formation of an inclusive, credible and non-sectarian system of rule.
Moreover, we welcome the statement’s call for the holding of free, fair elections under the supervision of the United Nations in a safe, neutral environment while ensuring the participation of the internally displaced people and refugees in the diaspora.”
The SOC also stressed the importance of the joint statement with regard to the call on the international community to continue to support the Syrian refugees until voluntary, dignified, and safe return is available. The statement also rejects attempts to bring about a demographic change while affirming the need to step up efforts to release detainees and hold accountable those responsible for atrocities. It also reaffirms commitment to fighting terrorism.
The SOC stressed that there is still an urgent need for more active international role and for mechanisms to enforce UN Security Council resolutions. It warns that any further delay will risk aggravating the situation even further. (Source: SOC’s Media Department)
