Vice-President Hisham Marwa stresses the Syrian Coalition’s outright rejection of any attempts to circumvent the demands of the Syrian people, most importantly for Assad’s departure,” during an interview with Okaz newspaper.
“Syrian rebel factions began fighting terrorism before anyone else and have driven ISIS from many areas across Syria. During talks with the Russian officials, we proposed that Syrian rebels fight terrorism as part of a political and military program to be set up by the Syrian National,” Marwa said.
He reiterates the Syrian Coalition’s rejection of the Russian proposal because of Moscow’s insistence on cooperation between rebel factions and the Assad regime in the fight against terrorism. “In fact, the Assad regime is the source and root cause of terrorism.”
Marwa pointed out that Assad cannot be a partner in the war on terrorism as he imported terrorists from all over the world to crush the Syrian people, citing the Hezbollah and Iraqi militia fighting alongside regime forces.
With regard to the political process, Marwa said that the Geneva Communique is very clear in calling for the formation of a transitional governing body to taken on leading Syria after the departure of Assad. “This governing body will surely be able to fight terrorism as it would be agreed upon by the Syrian people.”
Marwa pointed out that developments on the ground and the continuous rebel gains in many areas will eventually force the Assad regime to accept a political solution. (Source: Syrian Coalition)