The Syrian Coalition called upon China to take more effective steps to push the political process forward and help put an end to the tragedy unfolding in Syria.
At a meeting with China’s envoy to Syria Xie Xiaoyan in the Turkish capital Ankara earlier today, President of the Syrian Coalition’s Anas Alabdah gave a detailed explanation on the development of the revolutionary movement in Syria and described how tens of thousands of army soldiers defected at the early stages of the revolution in protest at the regime’s orders to shoot at peaceful demonstrations.
China’s special envoy to Syria Xie Xiaoyan said that the only solution to the Syrian crisis is a political one, adding that China is looking forward to seeing a new system for ruling and a new constitution in Syria.
Alabdah and stressed that the militarization of the revolution came as a response to the growing violence by the Assad regime against peaceful demonstrators, adding that the Syrian people firmly adhere to the goals of the revolution; namely the removal of the repressive authoritarian regime and the establishment of a civilian democratic system where all citizens are equal.
The Syrian opposition went to Geneva out of its sense of commitment to the goals of the revolution and in order to find a solution that leads to political transition putting an end to all injustices against the Syrian people, Alabdah added.
He pointed out that the Assad regime does not show seriousness in engaging in a genuine political process. It is neither showing any goodwill nor is it committed to the implementation of the provisions of international resolutions which call for lifting sieges on Syrian cities and the release of detainees, especially women and children.
Alabdah went on to say that the Assad regime continues to employ starvation and siege tactics and to drop barrel bombs on civilian areas, hospitals, schools, and public markets to inflict maximum casualties on civilians and force them out of their homes.
The Assad regime does not allow humanitarian access to the besieged areas in clear violation of UN resolutions, he added.
Alabdah stressed that the Syrian people are determined to defeat terrorism, adding that the Free Syrian Army groups has been countering ISIS since it came into existence in 2013.
Alabdah said: “Our position on Assad’s fate is clear. He is responsible for the most heinous crimes against the Syrian people, as documented by the United Nations. Assad, therefore, cannot be part of the future of Syria and the transition process. Keeping Assad in power in the transitional period, even with limited powers, would cause the political process to fail.”
For his part, the Chinese envoy pointed out that humanitarian files, the cessation of hostilities and the political process are all linked processes. He stressed the need for giving access to humanitarian aid, adding that China seeks to step up humanitarian aid to those in need. “the Chinese President announced a new aid package earlier this year, and we will continue to do so,” Xiaoyan said.
Xiaoyan said that China is working with other parties in the international community to resolve the Syrian conflict, and it wants to see progress in the Geneva talks. (Source: Syrian Coalition)
