Head of the Foreign Relations Department of the Syrian Opposition Coalition (SOC), Abdulahad Astepho, has welcomed the decision issued by the European Parliament, which bolsters democracy efforts and stands in solidarity with the aspirations of the Syrian people. Astepho emphasized that this decision will significantly bolster the resilience of the Syrian populace in the face of the atrocities and oppression perpetrated by the Assad regime.
In a press statement, Astepho underscored the paramount importance of rejecting normalization with the Assad regime while continuing to provide unwavering support to refugees, as it is crucial for Syrians to pursue their quest for freedom, dignity, and democracy.
Furthermore, Astepho emphasized the urgency of adopting a resolute stance on the Syrian crisis and actively working towards addressing its root causes, particularly regarding Syrian migration and the exacerbation of the population’s suffering. He stressed the imperative of advancing the political process to implement key UN resolutions on Syria, including the Geneva Communique of 2012, and UN Resolutions 2118 and 2254.
Astepho also emphasized that the Syrian issue should not be marginalized or relegated to secondary status but should be prioritized on the agendas of both the European Union and the United Nations. He cautioned that failure to take decisive action in addressing the Syrian crisis will only exacerbate the complexity of the regional and international landscape.
The overwhelming majority of European Parliament members voted in favor, with 428 votes, while 35 votes were cast against, and 43 abstentions, on a resolution aimed at strengthening democracy efforts and supporting the aspirations of the Syrian people.
This vote came subsequent to the presentation of a comprehensive report containing recommendations on the situation in Syria to the European Council, the EU Commission, and the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign, Political, and Security Affairs. The report underscored the necessity of refraining from normalization with the Assad regime and emphasized that the return of refugees hinges upon achieving a political settlement.
(Source: SOC’s Media Department)
