Secretary of the Syrian Coalition’s political committee Anas al-Abdah said that the UN Security Council resolution 2254, which was unanimously adopted on Friday, reflected international consensus on the general framework for a political solution in Syria. However, disagreements on important issues remain; most notably the fate of Bashar al-Assad and his role in the transitional period and the future of Syria.
“The unanimous adoption of the resolution was hardly surprising as its text was drawn from earlier texts that had been already agreed upon by the United States and Russia,” Abdah said.
Vice-president Nagham al-Ghadiri said that the UNSC resolution 2254 has many political flaws that may undermine the outcome of the Riyadh conference, including the shape of the transitional government and its powers and the formation of the opposition negotiating committee.
Ghadiri pointed out that the resolution failed to address fundamental issues, including terrorist militias fighting alongside the Assad regime as well as other foreign forces in Syria, including the Russians. “The resolution opens the way for the Assad regime and Russia to continue the bombing of civilians, markets, and health facilities,” Ghadiri said.
Member of the political committee Salem al-Meslet warned the Assad regime will not abide by the Security Council resolution 2254. He said the Assad regime would exploit any loopholes in the resolution to continue to bomb residential areas and suppress the Syrian revolution.
Meslet pointed to the need for international guarantees and confidence-building measures to ensure the proposed ceasefire is implemented; civilians are protected; and refugees and the internally displaced are able to return to their homes. (Source: Syrian Coalition)
