The Syrian Opposition Coalition’s (SOC) political committee held its regular meeting to discuss the latest on the ground and political developments as well as to review the work of departments, offices, and committees.
The meeting was chaired by SOC’s President Nasr Al-Hariri who gave an overview on the latest diplomatic and consultative meetings the SOC is conducting at the international, local and civil levels.
Participants expressed their outright rejection of the Russian Ministry of Defense’s announcement of plans to hold a conference on the return of Syrian refugees. Al-Hariri stressed that this conference will not serve the interests of the Syrian people as it ignores UN Security Council resolutions, especially UN Resolution 2254 and the Geneva Communique of 2012. He added that the return of refugees must be a dignified and voluntary as well as consistent with UNHCR standards.
Al-Hariri pointed out that the SOC is discussing the latest developments with its regional and international allies and partners, stressing the need for the international community to take a firm stance towards this conference; revitalize the political process; and proceed with the work of the Syrian Constitutional Committee.
Moreover, Al-Hariri talked about the general situation in Syria as he touched on the issue of wildfires and the suffering of civilians in the regime-held areas due to hyperinflation. He stressed that the Assad regime is no longer able to provide basic services to citizens such as water, electricity and medical services in view of the economic collapse and the loss of resources.
Participants also discussed the situation in the areas east of the Euphrates. SOC’s Vice President Oqab Yahya talked about the work of the SOC’s al-Jazira and Euphrates Committee, stressing the importance of the work it is doing in order to enable the people of the region to manage their regions by themselves.
Head of the National Commission for the Affairs of Detainees and Missing Persons, Yasser Al-Farhan, talked about the terrorist attacks that targeted the liberated areas in recent weeks. He made it clear that the car bombs that were used in these attacks came from the PYD-held areas. He said that the SOC sent several letters to the United Nations containing evidence on the PYD’s involvement in these attacks. (Source: SOC’s Media Department)