The Syrian Negotiations Commission held its regular meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, on 13-14 August. The discussions focused on the situation of the Syrian people, regional and international developments, and their impact on Syria.
The Commission warned in its final statement of the worsening tension and escalation in the region, which puts it on the brink of a devastating regional war, with consequences that would impact Syria and the revolution.
The Commission said that it assessed the recent political developments and the members’ efforts to engage with all segments of Syrian society. It also explored ways to interact with regional countries and other international powers. This included a careful reading of regional and international changes, from the re-admittance of the regime to the Arab League to recent Turkish statements and the positions of some European countries. The goal was to understand how these factors affect the political process, shape the future phase, and address the challenges facing the Syrian people and their cause. Consequently, the Commission aimed to develop a phased strategy to guide its work while continuing efforts to strengthen and deepen ties with Syrian society and its active forces.
The statement also noted the failure of previous initiatives to advance the political process or improve the conditions of the Syrian people. It suggested that the current initiatives might meet the same fate in light of the regime’s obstinacy and its absolute refusal to consider the demands of the Syrian people and the interests of the nation.
The Commission affirmed that the success of any initiative is measured by its ability to implement UN Security Council Resolution 2254 in both letter and spirit to achieve a political transition that meets the Syrian people’s aspirations for radical and comprehensive change. This requires regional and international powers to support the UN’s efforts to apply this resolution according to a clear and specific agenda and timeline.
The Commission also emphasized the issue of Syrian refugees and their suffering in host countries. It stressed the need to alleviate their grievances and protect them from discrimination, violations, and racial and aggressive rhetoric until political, economic, and security conditions are secured for their safe and voluntary return to their original places of residence, through strict implementation of all aspects of Resolution 2254.
Additionally, the Commission pointed out the failure of all previous initiatives to resolve the issue of detainees and forcibly disappeared individuals in its humanitarian, national, and political dimensions as a confidence-building measure. It reiterated the necessity for the regime to release detainees unconditionally and reveal the fate of the missing.
(Source: SOC’s Media Department)
