Syrian Coalition: We Will Attend Geneva II Only as a Single Unified Delegation

Faruq Tayfur, Vice President of the Syrian Coalition, emphasized the need for unity in the negotiating team going to Geneva II and said that “the London 11 Communique is the basic reference for the position of the Syrian Coalition concerning Geneva.” Tayfur also said that “the Coalition will form two teams in order to clarify its position with regards to attending Geneva II. It will assign one of them to explain the position of the Coalition and its principles towards Geneva to the FSA, local councils and other revolutionary blocs in Syria. The other team will talk with the international community to present the demands of the Syrian people and their expectations of the Geneva conference.” The VP of the Coalition rejected any role for Iran in Geneva II saying they are “a partner in the killing of Syrians, and so much a part of the problem that it is impossible for them to be part of the solution.” Tayfur also criticized the indifferent attitude of the international community towards the Syrians killed, in addition to the Russian position, which he described as unwilling to listen to other points of view. Likewise, the Syrian Coalition Secretary-General, Badr al-Din Jamous, said that “the negotiating team for Geneva II will be determined exclusively by the Syrian Coalition, and that the Coalition will not attend Geneva just to attend, but in order to achieve the objectives of the conference as represented by the terms of the Coalition.” The official spokesman for the Syrian Coalition, Louay Safi, insisted that the Coalition “will not accept the presence of any other political body other than the Coalition itself during the negotiations at the Geneva II Conference”, saying “the Coalition is the only political body that represents all facets of the Syrian opposition and is the only authority in determining the members of the negotiating team for the conference.” Safi cautioned the international community that “the Coalition’s decision regarding participation in Geneva II is inseparable from the details that emphasize the necessity of Assad stepping down and transferring power to a transitional governing body with full presidential powers, including military and security.” It also stipulated that in addition to the above the Coalition required “the introduction of relief convoys to all besieged areas and the immediate release of all detainees.” The FSA has also said that at this time they would welcome any “political solution based on accountability for the offenders and the formation of a transitional body with full authority” that would ensure the absence of Bashar and his cronies in the future of Syria. (Source: Syrian Coalition)