Member of the General Assembly Khaled al-Nasser stated that ceasefire in Syria cannot be achieved without an agreement to form a transitional governing body with full powers, international guarantees and peacekeeping forces. These are prerequisites for the success of negotiations and the initiation of transitional period until a national army is formed.
In an interview with the BBC regarding US Secretary of State’s latest statements, Nasser said that Kerry-during a phone call with President Khoja-stressed the Syrian Coalition’s role in the next phase and the need for the opposition to come together to participate in negotiations to put in place a credible ceasefire.
Nasser explained that the term “transitional governance body” is a broad and comprehensive concept, adding that this body must have all the powers, including the powers of the president, and control over the army and security services. It will also be tasked with a new government which is enshrined in the Geneva I Communique which in turn is contained in the Vienna statement.
Moreover, Nasser pointed that the transitional governing body will be capable of achieving political transition as it excludes Assad from any role in the transitional phase.
Nasser concluded his remarks emphasizing that the Syrian Coalition is the side entitled to negotiate on behalf of the Syrian people as it is recognized by over 100 countries, so it can not be bypassed. It also includes the major revolutionary opposition forces and is recognized by most rebel factions and local councils as a political umbrella. He added that the Syrian Coalition held a dialogue with the rest of opposition bodies and laid out a common vision for a political solution. (Source: Syrian Coalition)
