The opposition’s High Negotiations Committee renewed commitment to a political process and a political solution excluding Bashar al-Assad who will have no role once the transitional governing body is formed. The HNC pointed out that negotiations in Geneva stopped because of the regime’s insistence on pursuing a military solution in Syria.
The HNC made its remarks at the end of a three-day meeting that concluded in the Saudi capital Riyadh late on Sunday. The meeting discussed the latest regional and international developments and the work of select committees formed during the Riyadh meeting; most notably a committee tasked with holding dialogue and reaching out to different components of the Syrian society including political groups and civil society organizations.
According to a statement issued by the HNC on Sunday, HNC members discussed a draft document outlining its vision on the political process in accordance with the Geneva Communique of 212. The HNC pointed out that it will continue to hold dialogue with all components and forces of the Syrian society to ensure wider participation in the development of the opposition’s political vision.
The HNC said that its latest meeting reflected the cohesion and unity among its components as well as the diversity of the Syrian society. The HNC said inclusive representation of the forces of the revolution and national opposition reflected positively on the performance and decision-making process within the HNC.
The HNC reaffirmed commitment to the political process and to the Riyadh statement as a basic document outlining the visions of all the forces of the revolution and the opposition. It noted that negotiations in Geneva were suspended due to the insistence of the Assad regime on pursuing a military solution as well as its rejection of a political solution outlined in the Geneva Communique of 2012 and the relevant international resolutions.
The HNC also said that some of its representatives are still participating in “technical discussions” in Geneva out of its commitment to the political process. It stressed that the success of negotiations requires respecting international resolutions, especially the humanitarian aspects set out in them.
The HNC condemned Russia’s targeting of the Free Syrian Army and its active participation in the regime’s hostilities against the Syrian people under the pretext of fighting terrorism. It added that the majority of Russia’s operations in Syria target civilians and civilian objects.
The HNC called for transparency and credibility with regards to the US-Russian agreements on Syria, describing them as vague. It warned that Russia might exploit these agreements to escalate crimes against the Syrian people.
The HNC reiterated rejection of any extremist groups in Syria, warning that launching a random war on these groups poses serious risks to the safety of the civilian population. Instead, the HNC called for stepping up support for the FSA groups as they defend the Syrian people against the Assad regime and its allies as well as terrorist groups.
The HNC said it stands in solidarity with the Turkish people and their elected government in the face of the recent failed coup. It also stressed it is keen to cooperate with the UN envoy to Syria Staffan de Mistura towards the success of the political process. (Source: Syrian Coalition)
