The Syrian Opposition Coalition’s (SOC) foreign mission in the United States, in coordination with the SOC’s Office of Syrian Communities Abroad, held a virtual meeting with heads of Syrian political organizations operating in the United States.
The meeting brought together SOC’s President Nasr Al-Hariri, Coordinator of the SOC’s Department of Foreign Relations, Abdulhad Asteipho, Coordinator of the SOC’s Office of Syrian Communities Abroad Muhammad Yahya Maktabi, SOC’s representative to the United Nations Maryam Shalabi, and the SOC’s representative to the United States Qutaiba Idilbi.
In attendance were also Chairman of the Syrian-American Council Zaki Lababidi, Executive Director Suzanne Meriden, President of MedGlobal Organization Zahir Sahloul, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Syrian Emergency Organization Hashem Mubarak, Chairman of the Christians for Peace Group Mirna Barq, Chairman of the Keilabak Group Hussam Ayoubi, and Chairman of the Free Syria Group for Political Action Mahmoud al-Barazi.
The move came as part of the SOC’s plans to strengthen communication and coordination with Syrian-American political organizations.
Al-Hariri gave an overview on the major issues in Syria as well as the regional and international alliances and their impact on Syria.
Al-Hariri also talked about the launch of the fifth session of the Constitutional Committee in Geneva, pointing out that it is the first time that the agenda includes a discussion of the constitutional provisions. He stressed the need not to be overly optimistic until an international consensus is reached on Syria.
He added that agreement on the agenda will not be sufficient to oblige the regime to seriously engage in the constitutional process, stressing that the constitutional process is just part of the solution. He said that this process is insufficient unless the rest of the tracks laid out in the Geneva Communique of 2012 and UN Resolution 2254 are activated, most importantly the issue of forming a Transitional Governing Body.
Participants also discussed the situation of the Syrian Negotiations Commission as everyone stressed the need to address all outstanding issues, support the Commission, and reactivate its role in revitalizing the stalled political process.
They also discussed the anticipated policy of the new US administration regarding Syria as they agreed on the need to put forward a clear vision for a solution in Syria in a way that achieves the aspirations of the Syrian people for freedom and dignity. They stressed the importance of the Caesar Act as the only pressure mechanism on the regime to force it to seriously engage in the political process.
Participants also underscored the need to strengthen communication with the states that have recently joined the Security Council, especially Norway and Ireland and to work with them to renew a mandate for the delivery of UN humanitarian aid through four border crossings instead of two. (Source: SOC’s Media Department)
