Member of the Syrian Negotiations Commission and the Syrian Coalition’s political committee Hadi al-Bahra met with Chairman of the US Senate’s Committee on Foreign Relations Senator Bob Corker at the US Congress on Wednesday. Both sides discussed the latest political and field developments in Syria, most notably the continued war crimes by the Assad regime and the Iranian terrorist militias.
Bahra stressed the importance of the US presence in the region as key to create regional balance and prevent Russia from monopolizing efforts to reach a political solution in Syria. He emphasized the US “leading” role in moving on the UN-led political process in Geneva.
Bahra pointed out that Iran is seeking to disrupt the political process by goading the Assad regime into rejecting a political solution and carrying on with pursuing a military solution. He noted that these actions are added to the crimes the Iranian-led militias are committing against civilians, which led to a spillover of the crisis to the whole region.
Bahra called for supporting the capabilities of the Syrian rebel groups represented by the Syrian National Army to maintain security and stability in the areas that were freed from ISIS and Qaeda. He also stressed the need to continue to support local communities which are at the forefront of the battle to combat terrorism.
Moreover, Bahra pointed out that the US administration’s current policies are unlikely to defeat extremism or restore stability to Syria and the region, calling on the US administration to develop a comprehensive strategy to eliminate the root causes of terrorism represented by the Assad regime and its clique.
Bahra referred to the Free Syrian Army’s efforts to confront al-Qaeda in Idlib. He stressed the need to prevent a repeat of the eastern Ghouta and other areas scenario in Idlib as he underscored the importance of protecting civilians, especially after dozens of thousands of forcibly displaced people have recently arrived in the province.
For his part, Senator Bob Corker said he is making the necessary efforts to urge the US administration to adopt a clear policy in Syria that is capable of restoring stability, confronting the growing Iranian influence, and creating the suitable conditions to revive the political process in Geneva. (Source: Syrian Coalition’s Media Department)
