A delegation of the Syrian Negotiations Committee headed by Nasr Hariri concluded a visit to the Russian capital Moscow which came at the invitation of the Russian Foreign Ministry.
The visit came as Russia continues its military campaign in Syria, seeking to translate its outcome politically.
The delegation met with Leonid Slutsky, chairman of the Russian lower house of parliament’s international affairs committee as Hariri presented a detailed explanation of the Syrian issue which differed from the viewpoints adopted by many Russian officials.
At the end of the meeting, the two sides expressed mutual understanding that commitment to the implementation of international resolutions, especially UN Security resolution 2254 and supporting the Geneva process are the only way to reach a just, peaceful solution in Syria. Such a solution has to meet the aspirations of the Syrian people and translate their will into building a safe, democratic state that is free of tyranny, foreign militias and occupation.
The first day of the visit also included a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and officials of the Russian ministries of foreign affairs and defense. The meetings sides reached positive results as the two sides agreed to continue serious communications for the success of the upcoming Vienna meeting and to revive the Geneva process. They also agreed to devote all efforts and political initiatives in the context of the search for a political solution in Syria.
Hariri focused on the humanitarian issues, pointing out that they should not be subjected to negotiations. Concerning the situation in eastern Ghouta and Idlib, Hariri noted that the past three months have seen unprecedented bombing, destruction, displacement and sieges imposed by the Assad regime and its militias.
Hariri emphasized the Russian role in Syria and the need for Russia to commit to the agreements it signed off on. Views of the two sides were divergent about the conference due to be held in Sochi. The Russian side said they understood the Commission’s position which reaffirmed committed to the full implementation of UN Security Council resolution 2254.
On the second day of the visit, the Commission’s delegation met with the ambassadors of the Arab countries to Moscow and concluded the visit with a visit to the Orthodox Church in Moscow.
During the meeting with the Arab ambassadors to Russia, Hariri stressed that “Syria is at a crossroads.” He underscored the need to implement international resolutions on Syria to save it and save its people from the consequences of ignoring the ongoing massacres being committed against the Syrian people.
Deputy-Head of the Commission Khaled Mahameed urged the Arab ambassadors to support the Syrian cause and the Syrian people, stressing that “Syria has never given up any of the Arab countries.”
Mahameed called on the Arab countries to “express a united stance towards stopping the crimes and massacres that are taking place in Syria and support the path of negotiations to reach a political solution that meets the aspirations of the Syrian people and restores security and stability to the entire country.” (Source: Syrian Coalition’s Media Department)
