Member of the Syrian Coalition Munther Makhous said that the big gains rebel and FSA groups have recently made against regime forces in Aleppo represent an important breakthrough and dramatically change the political equation in Syria.
Makhous, who is also a member of the opposition’s High Negotiations Committee (HNC), said the HNC has been consistently holding consultations with concerned sides to launch a new round of negotiations in Geneva. He noted that the negotiations were suspended about three months ago due to the Assad regime’s refusal to implement the UN Security Council resolutions on Syria; most importantly those related to lifting the sieges, allowing the delivery of humanitarian aid, releasing detainees, and abiding by the cessation of hostilities agreement.
The HNC has not set preconditions for the resumption of negotiations, but called for respecting UN Security Council resolutions on Syria, especially resolutions 2254 and 2268 regarding the cessation of hostilities agreement, Makhous stressed.
Makhous pointed out that HNC is ready to resume negotiations within a specific and clear framework, namely to bring about a political transition in accordance with guidelines drawn up by the Syrian opposition and the HNC.
Separately, President of the Syrian Coalition Anas Alabdah said that Syrian rebels and FSA fighters have moved to the next stage in their offensive to break the siege on the eastern parts of Aleppo, which is the liberation of the entire city.
At a news conference on Monday, Alabdah confirmed that rebels and FSA groups have already reassured residents in the regime-held parts of the city that they will be protected. There is still an opportunity for regime officers and soldiers to defect and join the revolution, Alabdah added. (Source: Syrian Coalition + Alsharq Alawsat)
