The Syrian Negotiations Commission held an expanded meeting in the Saudi capital of Riyadh that included its representatives in the Constitutional Committee as part of the preparations for negotiations on the drafting of a new constitution for the country in Geneva later this month.
The meetings include discussion of various topics and the distribution of the participants into specialized workshops that will convene for five days with the aim of preparing papers and files related to the constitutional process.
President of the Syrian National Coalition Anas al-Abda, stressed the importance of their work and the mission they are carrying out. He said: “We are tasked with drafting a constitution that will be written with the blood of the victims and the tears of the mothers. It is a constitution for all Syrians without exception.”
Al-Abda pointed to the need to “assume responsibility, which may be one of the most difficult tasks that can be placed on the shoulders of Syrian political figures for more than half a century.” He called for stepping up efforts and working with more creatively and commitment while showing patience and hope.
Head of the Syrian Negotiations Commission, Nasr al-Hariri, stressed that the drafting of a new constitution is not the solution to the Syrian crisis, nor is it an alternative to the formation of Transitional Governing Body. The launch of its work requires in parallel negotiations on the other baskets, he added.
Al-Hariri pointed out that participation in the constitutional process stems from the fact that the Syrian issue is a just one, adding that the Assad regime is seeking to circumvent this process. He stressed commitment to all the principles and goals of the Syrian people and the need to be armed with will and clarity of vision. “We know where we will have to stop if the process came under danger or if its mechanism were derailed.”
Moreover, al-Hariri urged the international community and the UN envoy to work hard to launch a genuine process without hindrances to the Constitutional Committee and within a clear timetable in accordance with resolution 2254. He also called for working on the release of detainees and the establishment of a ceasefire, especially in Idlib. (Source: Syrian National Coalition’s Media Department)
