Head of the Syrian Negotiations Commission, Nasr al-Hariri, stressed that military escalation by the Assad regime in many areas across Syria threatens the political process and puts it in jeopardy.
Hariri was speaking during a meeting with the UN special envoy to Syria, Staffan de Mistura, on Wednesday to discuss the status of the ‘de-escalation zones” agreement in light of the ongoing bombing campaign on Idlib province and eastern Ghouta.
The two sides also discussed “the best ways to fully implement UN Security Council Resolution 2254 so as to bring about a quick political transition that is urgently needed to put an end to the bloodshed in Syria; provide the opportunity for the return of the displaced and refugees to their homes; and pave the way for reconstruction of Syria, said the Commission in remarks it published on its official website.
Hariri stressed that the humanitarian situation has seriously deteriorated in eastern Ghouta. “Rescue teams are almost helpless in the face of relentless bombardment by various highly explosive and internationally banned weapons.” He cited the repeated use of chlorine gas, adding that international reports have proven that the Assad regime is employing Iran’s arsenal of internationally banned weapons in these attacks.
Local activists said that military escalation by regime forces continues in most Syrian areas, noting that the ‘de-escalation zones’ no longer exist and that the escalating attacks have led to a further increase in the displacement of civilians. . (Source: Syrian Coalition’s Media Department)