President of the Syrian Opposition Coalition (SOC), Hadi Al-Bahra, held a meeting on Monday at the SOC’s headquarters with officials from the US State Department Syria Transition Assistance and Response Team (START) to discuss the latest developments in Syria.
In attendance were Vice Presidents Abdel Majeed Barakat and Dima Moussa, along with Secretary-General Haytham Rahmeh and Bahjat Al-Atassi, a member of the political committee.
The discussions commenced with an overview of the recent developments in the political process, considering the ongoing obstructive policies of the regime and the broader regional dynamics. Al-Bahra highlighted the Syrian Negotiations Commission’s efforts and its continuous advocacy for effective mechanisms, urging the United Nations and the international community to facilitate a political solution in line with Security Council resolutions, particularly UN Resolution 2254. Al-Bahra emphasized the inefficacy of partial solutions that fail to address the root causes behind the Syrian people’s uprising.
Al-Bahra provided insights into the reality of liberated areas and the projects initiated by the Syrian interim government to stimulate the local economy. He outlined the significant challenges faced by the government in meeting the needs of the population, considering the diminishing level of international aid and escalating humanitarian requirements.
Emphasizing an action plan, Al-Bahra stated that the SOC aims to enhance the security, legal, and economic conditions in liberated areas. The goal is to create an environment conducive to investment, promoting security and stability for the population, ultimately aligning with the aspirations of the Syrian people.
The political officer from START reaffirmed the United States’ steadfast support for a political solution in Syria based on Security Council Resolution 2254 (2015). She underscored the commitment to refrain from normalizing relations with the Assad regime and reiterated that sanctions would not be lifted, nor reconstruction projects initiated, without tangible and irreversible progress in implementing Resolution 2254. The officer also expressed ongoing support for the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people and the United States’ commitment to covering humanitarian needs.
(Source: SOC’s Media Department)
