The delegation representing revolutionary and opposition forces at the Astana talks recently convened a meeting with the International Committee of the Red Cross to address pressing concerns affecting the Syrian people.
During the meeting, both parties engaged in an exchange of views, focusing on critical issues of mutual interest. The opposition delegation emphasized the imperative of compelling the Assad regime to unconditionally release detainees and disclose the whereabouts of those who have been forcibly disappeared. Furthermore, they underscored the significance of facilitating visits by the International Committee of the Red Cross to prisons and detention centers, particularly the security branches.
Additionally, the delegation emphasized the necessity of sustaining cross-border aid deliveries, recognizing their vital role in providing essential support to the liberated areas in northwestern Syria.
Both sides expressed their commitment to supporting the United Nations’ ongoing efforts to establish a humanitarian mechanism dedicated to detainees and missing persons, independent of political considerations and negotiations. They also agreed to establish communication with the Syrian National Commission for the Affairs of the Missing and Detainees to facilitate necessary arrangements.
The Red Cross team shared their experiences from visits to prisons operated by the Assad regime, noting that the regime had not provided any lists of individuals included in the amnesty issued nearly a year ago. Additionally, discussions took place on the implications of the Arab League’s decision to readmit the Assad regime and the progress of the committee tasked with overseeing the associated procedures and obligations.
(Source: SOC’s Media Department)
