The Syrian Opposition Coalition (SOC) convened a meeting to honor the French Consul in Istanbul, Antoine Alhéritière, on the occasion of completing his mission and assuming new responsibilities at the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Paris.
Present at the gathering were SOC’s President, Salem Al-Meslet, President of the Syrian Negotiations Commission, Badr Jamous, the SOC’s Secretary-General, Haytham Rahmeh, SOC’s Vice President, Abdulahad Astepho, along with members of the political committee. Additionally, attendees included Muhammad Hasno, the Executive Director of the Assistance Coordination Unit, and Munther Sellal, the Executive Director of the Stabilization Support Unit.
Accompanying the consul was his successor, Mrs. Amal Benhagoug, and Leonard Hogerbrugge, the Dutch Special Advisor on Syria.
During the meeting, Al-Meslet discussed the latest political and field developments in Syria, acknowledging France’s consistent support for the Syrian revolution on the global stage. He expressed optimism that Syria would continue to be a top priority for the French government, fostering collaboration and coordination to dismantle the oppressive Assad regime, alleviate Syrian people’s suffering, fulfill their aspirations, and reinstate stability in Syria and the region.
Al-Meslet emphasized the necessity of backing the ongoing revolutionary movements in Suwayda, Daraa, and other Syrian regions, while propelling the political process to adhere to UN resolutions concerning Syria, particularly the 2012 Geneva Communique, UN Resolutions 2118, and 2254.
The audience conveyed their appreciation to Mr. Alhéritière for his significant contributions throughout his tenure in his country’s mission on Syria. President Al-Meslet expressed gratitude to France for maintaining unwavering stances against normalizing relations with the Assad regime and refraining from lifting sanctions against it.
Vice President Astepho underscored the pivotal role of France in Syria, highlighting the historical trajectory of French diplomacy’s support for the just cause of the Syrian people.
Secretary-General Rahmeh conveyed well wishes to Mrs. Benhagoug for her forthcoming endeavors and anticipated a more substantial role for France in rejuvenating hope for Syrians to attain their aspirations of freedom, dignity, and democracy.
Jamous emphasized that the Syrian people deserve their allies’ utmost support and called for legitimizing liberated areas to equip Syrians with the means to achieve a political solution. He advocated for strengthening and legitimizing these liberated areas and urged the revival of the “core group” of nations supporting the Syrian people.
In response, the French Consul expressed gratitude to the SOC for the meeting, lauding the years during which he collaborated with the Syrian people to realize their dreams and aspirations. He reasserted his nation’s steadfast support for the Syrian people’s aspirations.
(Source: SOC’s Media Department)
