The Syrian Opposition Coalition’s (SOC) Department of Foreign Relations held a virtual meeting with Germany’s envoy to Syria, Robert Rohde, in the presence of SOC’s President Nasr Al-Hariri and discussed with him the latest developments in Syria.
The meeting brought together Coordinator of the Department of Foreign Relations, Abdulahad Asteipho the SOC’s representative in Germany Fadel Al-Rifaie, Assistant German Envoy Thomas Albrich, and members of the Syrian team at the German Foreign Ministry.
Al-Hariri talked about the field and humanitarian conditions in the liberated areas, especially the health situation in light of the coronavirus outbreak, as well as the continued attacks by the Assad regime and its backers. He stressed the importance of stepping up humanitarian and medical aid so as to cope with the scale of human suffering.
Al-Hariri stressed that the Assad regime does not care about the deterioration of the humanitarian and living conditions in Syria. He said that the regime continues to ignore international resolutions and is proceeding with its intentions to hold farcical elections. He commended Germany and the European Union’s rejection of these farcical elections.
Al-Hariri raised the issue of the thousands of detainees held by the regime and the need for international action to press for their release. He added that the issue of detainees must not be linked to the political or constitutional process as their case must not be subject to negotiation or political blackmail. He also stressed the need to enforce UN Resolution 2254 with all its provisions, especially the formation of a transitional governing body and supporting political transition.
Asteifo talked about the SOC’s activities in the liberated areas and its efforts to improve the living conditions and manage those areas through the Syrian Interim Government. He stressed the importance of following up on technical meetings in terms of strengthening the SOC’s legitimacy.
For their part, the German diplomats stressed that Assad’s elections are illegal as they contravene UN Resolution 2254, stressing that the regime is obstructing political solution in Syria.
Rohde pointed out that Germany did not participate in the first Russian refugee conference, nor would it participate in the second one which Russia is preparing to hold. He stressed that there are absolutely no international standards for the safe and voluntary return of refugees, adding that Syria is an insecure country and there are no guarantees for the safe return of refugees.
With regard to the issue of humanitarian aid, Rohde stressed that this is a purely humanitarian issue, adding that opening one border crossing for the delivery of aid must not eliminate the need to open the other four crossings. (Source: SOC’s Media Department)
