The opposition’s High Negotiations Committee (HNC) said it laid out a comprehensive vision for the political process in Syria. The HNC said its vision prioritizes the fight against terrorism, including state terrorism practiced by the Assad regime whose policies continue to fuel extremism and sectarianism in Syria and the region.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the HNC made it clear that the outlining its vision for a political transition in Syria demonstrates it is committed to a political process. It stressed that the enforcement of the humanitarian provisions set out in the UN Security Council resolutions is the first step towards the eradication of extremism. The HNC insisted that these provisions, therefore, must not be subject to negotiations, calling for the immediate and unconditional implementation of these provisions.
The HNC said its members discussed ways of reaching out to various components of the Syrian society during its last meeting that took place in the Saudi capital Riyadh between 15-18 July. The meeting also discussed prospects for the political process in Syria in light of the local, regional and international developments.
The HNC stressed the need for overcoming the obstacles that hindered the last negotiations by setting out a clear timetable for political transition in accordance with the Geneva Communique of 2012 and the relevant international resolutions. This transition can only be achieved through the formation of a transitional governing body with full executive powers following the departure of Bashar al-Assad and those of his clique whose hands are stained with the blood of the Syrian people.
In a telephone conversation with the British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson on Wednesday, the HNC General Coordinator Riad Hijab reaffirmed the HNC’s commitment to a political process. Hijab reiterated the HNC is keen on resuming negotiations needed to bring about a political transition that ensures building a state based on justice, equity and the rule of law.
Hijab stressed that political transition will allow the Syrian people to build a new Syria without exclusion of any of its components and will pave the way for the return of all refugees and those who have been displaced by Assad and his allies to their homes.
Political transition must begin with the formation of a transitional governing body with full powers in which Assad and everyone with blood on their hands do not have any role to play, Hijab added.
The HNC pointed out that British Foreign Secretary reaffirmed Britain’s support for political transition in Syria and the need to end the suffering of the Syrian people as soon as possible. Johnson stressed that this political transition must ensure the departure of Assad if it is to succeed, according to the HNC statement.
The two sides said they agreed to continue cooperation and consultation as well as to prepare an appropriate environment for the resumption of the political process, improve the humanitarian situation for all the Syrian people, and move towards the achievement of the desired political transition, according to the HNC statement. (Source: Syrian Coalition)
