The opposition’s High Negotiations Committee (HNC) officially announced its vision for political transitional process in Syria at a meeting of foreign ministers of the Friends of Syria Group in London on Wednesday. The meeting was held at the invitation of the British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson.
The HNC’s General Coordinator Riad Hijab outlined the grave transformations besetting the Arab region, and the impact the deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in Syria has on regional and international security. He asserted that the ever-worsening refugee crisis in many Western countries, and the growing threat of youth recruitment from Europe and other countries to fight alongside ISIS has become one of the major threats to global security. In the meantime, he noted, those who suffer the most under the tyranny of declining dictatorships grow in desperate frustration at the international community’s failure to stop the atrocities committed against them.
Hijab stressed that it is not possible to address the Syrian crisis in isolation of regional developments, pointing out that the survival of repressive regimes poses a great risk to global security.
The opposition’s vision included addressing the various societal issues through launching a national dialogue and working to ensure the return of refugees and displaced people to their homes. The vision laid out constitutional and legal measures to guarantee the rights of all Syrian citizens as well so to ensure that Syrian women have their full rights and contribute to all state institutions and the decision-making process.
In order to address these challenges, Hijab indicated that the HNC has taken a strategic decision to continue with the peace process, and that it has worked on a vision for political transition through a negotiated process leading to a transitional phase beginning with the departure of Assad and his clique and the establishment of a transitional governing body with full executive powers. At this juncture, a democratic system that is inclusive and representative of all Syrians will be established based on the principles of citizenship, rule of law, independent judiciary, and freedom of the press.
The opposition’s plan also included a comprehensive program to clear Syria of all foreign troops; combat terrorism; and eradicate ideological and organizational incubators which nurture extremism, sectarianism and tyranny.
Hijab emphasized that the Syrian people have the necessary expertise to develop standards and foundations for a political transition which will have a positive impact on future generations. He pointed out that a permanent constitution for the country will be adopted at the end of transitional phase through initiating local, legislative and presidential elections. (Source: Syrian Coalition)
