President of the Syrian Opposition Coalition (SOC), Salem Al-Meslet, had a long telephone conversation with the British Special Envoy to Syria Mr. Jonathan Hargreaves on Tuesday. The two sides discussed the latest developments on the ground and in the political process in Syria.
Al-Meslet pointed out that Syrian civilians are suffering everywhere across Syria, even those living in the regime-held areas due to the Assad regime’s continuing crimes against civilians, including arrest, torture, murder and oppression. He stressed that the SOC cares about the wellbeing of all Syrians and seeks to end their suffering.
Al-Meslet talked about the situation in the freed territories, most notably the suffering of the displaced people who are living in IDP camps in northwestern Syria. He stressed the need to step up aid in order to cope with the needs and suffering of Syrian civilians.
Al-Meslet also spoke about the conditions of Syrian refugees in the host countries, pointing to the need to protect their rights and prevent any abuses against them. He touched on the issue of Syrian refugees in the United Kingdom as he warned of returning any refugee due to the serious risks to their lives.
Al-Meslet stressed that the solution in Syria is a political one, stressing the need to revitalize the political process in all its tracks. He made it clear that the process should not be reduced to the work of the Constitutional Committee, adding that the political process faces difficulties and risks and should not be derailed out of context.
Moreover, Al-Meslet reiterated that the Assad regime is not serious about proceeding with the political process as it is seeking, with the help of its backers, to derail UN resolutions calling for bringing about real political transition in the country.
Al-Meslet warned against normalization of ties with the Assad regime, stressing that normalization is a reward for the regime for the crimes it is committing against the Syrian people.
He made it clear that Russia is not sincere about its declared goals in Syria as it is a partner with the Assad regime in its crimes against civilians. Russia also supports the regime by preventing any progress in the work of the Constitutional Committee and the political process.
He pointed out that Syria is occupied by Iran, which is the enemy that threatens regional stability and security. He added that the Arab League’s acceptance of the return of the regime means bringing Iran to its fold, stressing that the Arab states must be aware of Tehran’s threat to the security and stability of the region.
For his part, the British envoy spoke about the Kingdom’s efforts to provide humanitarian support and about the growing needs in Syria. He reaffirmed his country’s commitment to supporting the demands of the Syrian people and fully implementing UN resolution 2254.
Mr. Hargreaves added that his country is seeking to continue pushing the political process ahead, ensure accountability, the release of detainees, and reach a ceasefire. He stressed that Syria is not safe and that his country will not return refugees to it.
(Source: SOC’s Media Department)
