Coordinator of the Syrian National Coalition’s Department of Foreign Relations, Abdulahad Astepho, met the political Syria advisor at the French Foreign Ministry, Fabrice Desplechin, and discussed with him the latest on the ground and political developments in Syria.
The two sides stressed the importance of the ceasefire agreement in Idlib and the need to make international efforts to reach a nationwide ceasefire as a basic step towards reaching a political solution in accordance with international resolutions, most notably the Geneva Communique of 2012 and UN Security Council Resolution 2254.
Astepho thanked France for its role in supporting international resolutions on Syria at the UN Security Council, the most recent of which was its role in the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2504 on renewing a mandate to deliver humanitarian aid to those in need in Syria via the border crossings not under the control of the Assad regime.
The two sides also stressed the need to support stabilization efforts and improve security in the northern and eastern regions as well as France’s role in this process. Astepho pointed out that improving security and stability is one of the Syrian Interim Government’s top priorities.
Moreover, the two sides touched on the recent meeting held between the Coalition and the Kurdish National Council. He pointed out that both sides discussed the activation of the committee to follow up on abuses in the liberated areas which was approved by the Coalition’s political committee. It was agreed that the Council should play an effective role in the committee in full coordination with the Syrian Interim Government in addition to emphasizing the safe, dignified, and voluntary return of IDPs and refugees to their areas of origin.
The two sides also agreed to strengthen communication and cooperation as well as coordination to serve the common interests. The French official invited the Coalition to visit France. (Source: Syrian National Coalition’s Media Department)
