The Syrian Coalition’s political committee today met with US special envoy to Syria Michael Ratney to discuss the latest developments in the political and humanitarian situation in Syria.
The political committee voiced dissatisfaction with US support for the PYD militias who have lately launched an offensive on the areas under the control of the Free Syrian Army. The PYD assault is also supported by Russian air cover and by the Assad regime.
The political committee told the US special envoy that the Assad regime continues to impede the delivery of relief aid to besieged areas. Regime checkpoints have prevented the delivery of vaccines to some of the besieged areas. The aid that has arrived to some besieged areas hardly covers 40% of the needs of trapped civilians, and is forecast to last no more than 10 days.
The meeting also discussed the continued Russia and Assad regime’s aerial bombardment targeting hospitals, schools and civilian neighborhoods and killing dozens of civilians on a daily basis. The political committee stressed that the continued aerial campaign casts serious doubt on Russia’s commitment to the Munich agreement.
Ratney reaffirmed the United States’ support for the Syrian opposition in the political process and the Geneva talks to bring about a political transition in Syria. He said that preparations are underway to implement the “cessation of hostilities” agreement which will provide an opportunity to test the commitment of both Russia and the Assad regime to the political process. (Source: Syrian Coalition)
