Jarba: Assad’s Re-election Would Eliminate All Chance of a Political Solution

Ahmed Jarba, president of the Syrian Coalition, concludes his official three-day visit to Beijing today, during which the Coalition’s delegation met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and other Chinese officials, researchers and academics. Jarba stressed during the meetings that Assad’s running for re-election would eliminate all chances of reaching a political solution.” Jarba also said that “Assad regime’s latest chemical attacks on Hialyn, Kafr Zeita and Harasta in addition to its repeated attempts to storm the besieged quarters of Homs are a proof of its utter disregard to the international community.” Jarba described the visit to China as “positive and comes in the context of working to change Beijing’s position of the Syrian Revolution.” He also brought forward the Syrians’ point of view of what is happening in Syria and their right to aspire towards freedom and democracy. Analysts say that the visit represents a public recognition by China of the Syrian Coalition as the legitimate representative of the Syrian people the revolution. Furthermore, Jarba Ahmed said that “the Syrian Coalition endeavored to reach a political solution, and if the Assad regime is serious we are ready to engage in third round of talks at Geneva II.” The Chinese foreign minister said that Beijing supports bringing about a political to the conflict in Syria. “China is still in contact and dialogue with all parties of the conflict. Our interest in the Syrian file serves the long-term collective interests of the Syrian people, and will help ensure peace and stability in the Middle East,” Wang said. The delegation of the Syrian Coalition also included Badr Jamous, Secretary General of the Syrian Coalition, Fayez Sara, and Kouman Hussein. Hussein said that “we demanded the existence of organization relations with China and that it play a bigger role in bringing about a political solution to the Syrian crisis. The meeting with researchers from China was an opportunity to present the viewpoint of the Syrian people, and to explain what is really happening on the ground. We also assured the Chinese officials that the Syrian Kurds have no intention whatsoever to separation from Syria, and that the Kurds are keen on making a better future for Syria.” (Source: Syrian Coalition)