Badr Jamous, President of the Syrian Negotiations Commission (SNC), delivered a speech at the UN Security Council in New York on Tuesday. He expressed pride in the day freedom dawned on Syria, December 8, marking the victory of the Syrian people’s will that forced the despotic regime leader to flee Damascus—a moment forever etched in Syrians’ memory.
Jamous reminded the Council that the SNC repeatedly warned that the Syrian people’s patience, committed for years to a negotiated and peaceful solution, would not last indefinitely, especially after losing faith in the international community’s ability to uphold humanitarian principles and deliver justice.
Over 13 years, Jamous noted, the Syrian opposition made every effort and displayed maximum flexibility to achieve a peaceful political transition. Yet, the oppressive regime remained the primary obstacle, rejecting initiatives led by four international envoys while Syrians paid a heavy price in blood and lives.
He highlighted the immense suffering of displaced Syrians worldwide as refugees seeking safety and dignity while the opposition took responsibility for achieving their aspirations for a state founded on law, freedom, justice, and citizenship.
The struggle, Jamous emphasized, was not just against the regime but also against regional and international polarization, which complicated the mission. Despite these challenges, he affirmed the opposition’s unwavering pursuit of a solution, repeatedly asking, “Where is the political solution? Where is the implementation of Resolution 2254?”
Jamous stressed that after the regime’s collapse, the extent of its crimes against the Syrian people has become evident, with detention centers exposing horrific atrocities that remain a stain on human history. He reaffirmed the SNC’s commitment to pursuing justice against the regime and its fugitive leader, underscoring that transitional justice and accountability are essential to prevent a recurrence of such crimes.
Jamous praised the efforts of the current administration, led by Ahmad al-Sharaa and Interim Government Head Mohammed al-Bashir, in restoring security and providing services to citizens. He expressed readiness to collaborate with them to build a new Syria—a state where all citizens are equal in rights and duties, free from foreign interference, maintaining balanced relations with neighbors and allies.
He described the economic devastation left by the regime, noting that 80% of Syrians now live below the poverty line. Jamous called for lifting economic sanctions on Syria and increasing humanitarian aid to help Syrians rebuild their homeland.
Jamous added that faith still remains that what is left of Resolution 2254 constitutes the roadmap for achieving the aspirations of the Syrian people. He pointed out that, despite changing circumstances and the collapse of the regime that was a party to the resolution, the spirit and essence of the resolution—embodied in enabling the people to govern themselves through free and fair elections under United Nations supervision—remains the principle upon which the SNC is based.
Jamous called for efforts to form an inclusive transitional national government that represents all segments of the Syrian people, from revolutionaries to politicians, civil society, and all components of the Syrian population while ensuring the representation of women and youth.
He proposed convening a comprehensive national conference organized by the transitional government to select a constituent assembly of experts, leaders, and representatives to draft a new constitution. This would lead to a referendum on the constitution and progress toward free and fair elections in a safe, neutral environment under UN oversight.
Jamous also advocated for creating funds to support freed detainees, reintegrate them into society, and aid the families of victims, whether they perished under torture in regime prisons or during attacks on civilians. He emphasized the importance of compensating families and honoring their sacrifices.
He called for reinstating dissidents and unjustly dismissed employees to their former positions, restoring their financial entitlements, and supporting refugees and displaced persons wishing to return home with dignity and security.
Jamous concluded by reaffirming the Syrian people’s determination to build a new Syria: a state of law, justice, and democracy, unified in its land and people, and committed to protecting all its citizens without discrimination.
(Source: SOC’s Media Department)
