President of the Syrian Opposition Coalition, Nasr al-Hariri, discussed with a delegation from the National Party for Justice and the Constitution (WAAD) the latest on the ground and political developments in Syria as well as the important role of political parties in raising political awareness among the Syrian people and the restoration of political life.
The delegation comprised deputy-head of WAAD party, Khaled Shubaib, chairman of the party’s Council of Elders, Amer Fares, and second deputy-head, Lina Al-Khayyat.
Al-Hariri stressed the importance of Syrians coalescing into political parties and the establishment of new political parties carrying genuine democratic projects as well as advanced ideas for Syria. He also stressed that their participation in political life is necessary and important at the national level, especially as the Assad regime has suppressed all forms of political life in Syria since its seizure of power and its freezing of loyalist parties into the so-called National Progressive Front.
The two sides also discussed the political process and the obstacles to implementing UN resolution 2254 and to reaching a lasting political solution. Al-Hariri stressed that the SOC is avidly seeking to achieve the aspirations of the Syrian people for freedom, dignity and democratic transition.
Al-Hariri pointed out that the Assad regime’s insistence on pursuing bloody military solution with Russian and Iranian support as well the continued international inaction is the biggest obstacle to freedom and end to bloodshed.
He also said that the SOC prioritizes improving the living conditions of Syrians in the liberated areas and host countries, especially the neighboring countries, calling for the mobilization of efforts and reviving the spirit of the Syrian revolution.
For their part, members of WAAD party demanded that their party be represented in the SOC and be allowed to work beside the Syrian Interim Government in providing services to civilians in the liberated areas. Al-Hariri welcomed the proposal as he promised to convey it to the SOC’s political committee for discussion. (Source: SOC’s Media Department)