President of the Syrian Coalition Anas Alabdah criticized the failure of the International Syrian Support Group (ISSG) to respond to Russia’s continued crimes against civilians in Syria.
In meetings with Syrian journalists, media activists, politicians, and representatives of civil society organizations in the city of Gaziantep on Tuesday, Alabdah said those who shirk responsibility to stop crimes against the Syrian people have equal responsibility for those crimes.
The Syrian people have no other option but to unite both politically and militarily to confront the viscous attacks launched by the Assad regime and its Iranian and Russian allies, Alabdah stressed. He referred to pressure being exerted on the opposition to prevent such unity. Alabdah, however, made clear that the decision to unite is still in the hands of the Syrian people, citing the unity rebel and FSA groups achieved in an ongoing assault to break the siege imposed on Aleppo.
Alabdah went on to say that the Syrian Coalition called for increased support for Aleppo during a meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu in Ankara on Monday. He said the Syrian interim government has already developed plans to increase cooperation with the provincial council in Aleppo to launch projects and restore services to civilians in Aleppo after it has been fully liberated.
The unity shown by the armed opposition in the ongoing offensive in Aleppo meant that the political forces had to follow suit and to reach a unified vision for the future of Syria, Alabdah said.
Alabdah emphasized that the latest developments in Aleppo will have a significant impact on the future of Syria, especially on negotiations and the political process. He reiterated the Coalition’s rejection of any settlement that sees Bashar al-Assad having a role in the transitional period.
The Geneva negotiations have stalled due to the intransigence of the Assad regime; its refusal to allow the improvement of the humanitarian situation; and its lack of commitment to the cessation of hostilities agreement.
Alabdah concluded his remarks by stressing that the Geneva negotiations can only be resumed when certain conditions were met, adding that he expected a new round of negotiations to be launched in September. (Source: Syrian Coalition)
