Head of the Syrian Negotiations Commission, Nasr al-Hariri, and Co-chair of the Constitutional Committee, Hadi al-Bahra, met representatives of the member states of the Small Group on Syria in London on Tuesday. Both sides discussed the latest on the ground developments and the war crimes the Assad regime and its backers are committing in Idlib and their impact on the political process, especially the track of the Constitutional Committee.
Al-Hariri stressed that the Assad regime, Russia and Iranian militias have never committed to the implementation of international resolutions as they continue to commit crimes against civilians. He said that unspeakable crimes and violations are taking place in Maaret al-Nouman, adding: “The people of the town fought against ISIS and Al-Qaeda, showing unwavering commitment to the principles of the revolution.”
He added that “the talk about Russia and the regime’s rejection of a political solution is no longer an expectation, but rather a reality we are experiencing today.”
For his part, Al-Bahra pointed out that the responsibility lies with the international community as it has so far failed to assume its legal responsibilities, first and foremost the protection of civilians. He also talked about the humanitarian catastrophe resulting from the military operations the Assad regime and Russia are conducting against civilians. He demanded increased humanitarian support and the launch of a humanitarian appeal to meet the basic needs of the hundreds of thousands of displaced people.
Al-Bahra stressed the need to take all the necessary steps to establish a ceasefire and return to the political track in order to reach a solution through the full implementation of international resolutions, most importantly UN Security Council resolution 2254.
Al-Hariri and al-Bahra earlier met with Dr. Andrew Morrison, Secretary of State for Middle East Affairs at the British Foreign Office and discussed with him the gave situation in Idlib. They called for pushing towards establishing a ceasefire, protecting civilians, and stepping up humanitarian aid to the IDP. (Source: Syrian National Coalition’s Media Department)
