On Monday, the Syrian Negotiations Commission held a consultative meeting in Brussels with civil society representatives under the theme Updates on the Syrian Situation and the Political Process. The meeting aimed to strengthen dialogue and cooperation between the Commission, civil society, political parties, Syrian advocacy groups, and strategic allies to support shared national goals and political processes.
The meeting sought to deepen engagement with diverse segments of civil society, discuss recent developments in the Syrian political process, and examine the rapidly changing situation on Syrian, regional, and international levels. It also aimed to establish mechanisms for ongoing consultation with Syrian communities in Europe and refugee-hosting countries.
Commission President Badr Jamous, along with members Anas al-Abdah, Ibrahim Biro, Geneva Office Director Hussein Sabbagh, and Syrian Opposition Coalition (SOC) member Mohammad Yahya Maktabi, attended the meeting, which included numerous representatives from Syrian civil society organizations, unions, political parties, and independent figures active in political and social arenas.
During the meeting, Jamous provided a comprehensive overview of the Commission’s diplomatic, political, and legal efforts—both domestic and international—towards advancing a comprehensive political solution based on UN resolutions, particularly UN Resolution 2254. He discussed the positions and strategies of various countries, highlighted challenges facing the political process, and described the Commission’s efforts to keep the Syrian issue among international priorities, including its work with the UN Security Council.
Jamous reviewed recent engagements with international envoys, politicians, and diplomats at both the Arab and international levels, as well as the Commission’s ongoing activities with the UN and Security Council members. These efforts aim to clarify the Syrian reality, address the Assad regime’s obstruction of a political solution, and persuade nations to support binding mechanisms to enforce international resolutions, including the Geneva Communique of 2012 and UN Resolutions 2118 and 2254.
Jamous explained the Commission’s structure, its consensus-driven principles, and its role as a negotiating body representing Syrians. He also discussed the work of the Commission’s offices, which focus on issues such as refugees, detainees, the disappeared, accountability, and transitional justice.
The participants discussed the importance of collaboration between the Commission and civil society, the role of Syrian advocacy groups, and the need for collective, cooperative efforts to amplify support for the Syrian cause. Jamous emphasized the importance of building balanced, complementary alliances to improve overall effectiveness and achieve more impactful results, highlighting the role of victim advocacy groups in advancing these issues.
The attendees also addressed the challenges facing Syrian refugees, particularly those in Lebanon, and the increased risks they face in Lebanon or if they are forced to return to Syria, where they are threatened with detention and intimidation. Concerns were raised about potential demographic changes due to Lebanese refugees flocking to Syria, and the need for UNHCR to closely monitor the situation transparently.
Jamous reaffirmed that the Commission remains committed to the fundamental principles of the Syrian Revolution and insists on a political solution according to international resolutions, with the Geneva process as the primary pathway. He highlighted the Commission’s intention to renew engagement with Washington to urge the U.S. administration to adopt a new strategy for Syria focused on a new constitution, elections, and comprehensive political change, as these are essential to lasting security and stability.
The meeting concluded with in-depth discussions emphasizing the need for transparent oversight of aid distributed through the Early Recovery Project to prevent regime appropriation. Attendees also stressed the importance of maintaining strategic focus and not compromising on the goals and aspirations of the Syrian people.
(Source: SOC’s Media Department)
