Vice President, Dima Moussa, participated on Wednesday, 11 March, in a panel discussion titled “Idlib after Moscow Reconciliation” and hosted by ORSAM in Ankara. She also participated on 5 March in a conference in Istanbul titled “International Idlib Conference”, organized by the Republic of Turkey Directorate of Communication.
During the panel discussion and the conference, Ms. Moussa talked about the importance of implementing a ceasefire in Idlib to pause the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in northwestern Syria as a result of the Assad regime’s escalation during the last few months, which had resulted in the displacement of over one million civilians. She also highlighted the need for getting humanitarian assistance to those affected as an urgent measure.
Ms. Moussa added that it is necessary, however, to ensure that a permanent ceasefire is put in place and breaches thereof are handled responsibly and promptly to ensure that the humanitarian situation does not continue to deteriorate. She also noted that cessation of all hostilities is required in Idlib especially, and in all of Syria in general, if “we all, not just as Syrians, but as an international community, are serious about moving forward with a political solution, which is the only way to reach permanent peace in Syria and the region.” Additionally, Ms. Moussa noted that “we, as opposition, are still committed to reaching a comprehensive political solution through the full implementation of UNSCR 2254, which requires in addition to implementing the political process outlined therein, the implementation of the part of the resolution relating to confidence building measures, which include humanitarian issues as well as release of the detainees and disclosure of the fate of the missing.”
Regarding the humanitarian aspect, Ms. Moussa stressed the importance of ensuring the extension of UNSCR 2504 on the cross-border aid delivery to Syria in July later this year, as millions of Syrians remain in the north, whose only hope of receiving aid is by getting it directly and not through Damascus. She stressed, however, that the only way to resolve the humanitarian crisis is by looking at and resolving the underlying problem that led to what is happening in Syria, and that is the Assad regime continuing to use military and security tools to oppress Syrians and force them into submission to its rule and to hold on to power, refusing all attempts and efforts to engage in any political talks.
On the latest agreement between Turkey and Russia, which was signed on 6 March in Moscow, Ms. Moussa said during the panel discussion in Ankara on Wednesday that “this is welcomed on the short-term, but it requires an effort and sense of responsibility by the entire international community to ensure it lasts to avoid additional displacement of civilians and to start working towards a permanent solution for Syrians to go back to their homes and to reach a real political solution that would lead to political transition in Syria.” (Source: SOC’s Media Department)
