Vice President of the Syrian Opposition Coalition (SOC), Abdul Majeed Barakat, and the Coordinator of the Foreign Relations Department, Abdulahad Astepho, held a meeting with the Deputy Head of the EU delegation to Syria, Agne Gleveckaite, and the European Union’s Political Officer, Joris Van Winckel. The discussions focused on the current status of the political process, hindered by the continued reluctance of the Assad regime to engage, and strategies to improve living conditions in liberated areas through sustainable projects by empowering the Syrian Interim Government and its institutions.
Barakat highlighted SOC’s recent activities in liberated areas, including meetings with diverse segments of Syrian society and executive institution leaders. He provided an overview of collaborative projects with the Syrian Interim Government, supported by the Syria Recovery Trust Fund, such as the water pumping project and solar energy systems.
Addressing the pivotal role of the European Union in revitalizing the political process and enforcing UN resolutions, especially Resolutions 2118 and 2254, Barakat emphasized the Assad regime’s obstruction due to the absence of international will. He noted that the Assad regime is dealing with the “step by step” proposal in the same way, adding that the SOC has reservations on the proposal, now held hostage by the regime itself.
Barakat also commented on a recent decree from the Assad regime, outlining the payment of exemption money to avoid reserve military service. He underscored that the decree would serve as a new financial source for the regime, exploiting and intimidating Syrians while plundering their resources.
Astepho delved into ways to support and empower the Syrian Interim Government for the implementation of sustainable projects, aligning with ongoing governance, security, and stability efforts. He stressed that stability and job opportunities in liberated areas are crucial in dissuading residents from migrating to European Union countries.
Astepho noted the ineffectiveness of Arab normalization efforts due to the Assad regime’s intransigence, particularly on the issues of refugees and detainees. He called for intensified European efforts in sanctioning the Assad regime.
(Source: SOC’s Media Department)
