The Syrian Opposition Coalition (SOC) received the outgoing political advisor for the French Foreign Ministry, Fabrice Desplechin, and thanked him for the efforts he made in the service of the common interests between the two countries.
The two sides discussed the latest political and on the ground developments as SOC’s president Nasr Al-Hariri said that the past few months saw an evolution in the relationship between the SOC and France.
Al-Hariri stressed the important role that France plays in Syria, especially its strong support for the political process and reaching a just political solution in accordance with UN Security Council resolution 2254 and bringing about a democratic transition.
Al-Hariri made it clear that the Assad regime is still not serious about engaging in the political process and insists on pursuing a bloody military solution, citing the Assad regime’s procrastination and its attempts to disrupt the work of the Constitutional Committee.
Moreover, he pointed to the need to discuss the rest of the issues in parallel with the work of the Constitutional Committee, stressing that the Constitutional Committee in itself cannot be a solution, but rather a gateway to revitalize the political process and ensure the full implementation of UN Resolution 2254.
Coordinator of the SOC’s Department of Foreign Relations, Abdulahad Astepho, commended the outstanding efforts the French diplomat made throughout his tenure. “Mr. Desplechin showed a high level of cooperation regarding the cause of the Syrian people. We wish him more success and progress in his future missions.”
For his part, Mr. Desplechin reaffirmed his country’s continued support for the cause of the Syrian people and for meeting their legitimate aspirations for freedom and dignity, stressing that a political solution can only one reached in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2254. (Source: SOC’s Media Department)
