Syrian Coalition: Negotiations without Guarantees are Waste of Time

Nasr al-Hariri, Secretary General of the Syrian Coalition, said that “Russia’s latest moves to hold “consultative meetings” that bring together the opposition blocs cannot be regarded as real initiatives but mere political chatter. Sitting at the negotiating table without international guarantees and clear framework is actually surrender and a waste of time and the blood of the Syrian people. “Going to Moscow while Assad still holds hundreds of thousands of civilians and peaceful protesters in his secret jails and rains death and destruction on Syrian cities and towns will direct a coup de grace to Syria.” Hariri points out that “we will not go to Moscow to demand that Assad stops the killing of civilians, nor will we use their blood as a bargaining chip during the negotiations as their right to live is enshrined in all international and human right laws. Responding to these demands must be guaranteed by Russia as a token of good faith before we enter into negotiations aimed at bringing about political transition in Syria.” Similarly, Mohammed Qaddah, vice president of the Syrian Coalition said earlier that “Moscow is not a place to hold a conference, particularly as it has been Assad’s main partner in the killing of the Syrian people since the beginning of the revolution. The country where the negotiations are to be conducted should be neutral and not an accomplice to the genocidal crimes against the Syrian people.” (Source: Syrian Coalition)