Coalition confirms FSA will protect all civilians in Syria

In his remarks addressing an Amnesty International delegation, President Jarba declared that “the Free Syrian Army is keen on respecting the rules of international humanitarian law,” in relation to “the safety of civilians, regardless of their religious or political affiliation.” Preseident Jarba also shed light on the nature of extremist factions and the conditions that has led to their emergence in Syria and the real danger they pose “on all Syrians who continue to sacrifice their lives in order to reach a democratic state that represents all spectrums of the Syrian people.” The president explained the mechanisms that are “followed by the FSA’s Chief of Staff to ensure accountability for all abuses or potential abuses by some factions or individuals.” Jarba pointed out that “there is a disciplinary body in each combat brigade assigned with looking into violations committed by any of the fighters or groups and dealing with them in order to reach the highest degree of military discipline in order to achieve the objectives of the Syrian revolution.”  The president concluded that “the Assad regime committed unprecedented crimes against the Syrian people which, according to international law definitions, fall under the category of war crimes and crimes against humanity that require referral to the International Criminal Court for prosecution.” (Source: Syrian Coalition)