The newly appointed representatives of the Syrian Opposition Coalition (SOC) to friendly states took the oath in front of SOC’s President Nasr Al-Hariri.
Dissident diplomat, Fadel Afa Rifaie, was appointed as SOC’s representative to the Federal Republic of Germany, while dissident diplomat Nour al-Din al-Labbad was appointed as representative to the French Republic. Dissident diplomat Bashar Hajj Ali was appointed as SOC’s representative to the European Union and the Kingdom of Belgium, while Qutaiba Idlibi was appointed as SOC’s representative to the United States.
The oath-taking ceremony brought together Coordinator of the SOC’s Department of Foreign Relations, Abdulahad Asteipho, Secretary-General Abdelbaset Abdullatif, and members of the political committee Badr Jamous and Abdel-Majid Barakat.
President Al-Hariri stressed the important role of the new representatives in wielding a great, direct influence in support of the cause of the Syrian people and their demands for freedom, dignity and democracy.
Al-Hariri talked about the SOC’s strategy for action, adding that “it is seeking with the United Nations and the major actors in Syria to ensure full implementation of the Geneva Communique of 2012 and the relevant UN Security Council resolutions explicitly calling for the formation of a credible government; drafting a new constitution for the country; and laying the groundwork for parliamentary and political elections according to the highest standards of transparency and with the participation of all Syrians, including those in the diaspora.”
Moreover, Al-Hariri stressed the need for confidence-building measures, especially in the issue of detainees, adding that “the SOC is working through its representations, foreign missions, and executive institutions to identify the needs of our people in Syria and abroad and to build governance structures necessary to carry out the tasks at a time when we suffer from a lack of sufficient resources.”
Al-Hariri went on: “We are fully confident in your ability to effectively undertake your mission in view of your strong belief in the revolution and the SOC’s role in carrying out its duty towards the Syrian people.”
The representatives talked about their plans of action as they emphasized they will work tirelessly to mobilize international support for the Syrian revolution and the Syrian people’s aspirations for to freedom and dignity. (Source: SOC’s Media Department)
