The Syrian Coalition said in a statement that “the Assad regime continues to kill and torture civilians in the hope that it can cling to power. Assad himself continues to reject the demands of the Syrian people for him to step down and hand over power to a transitional governing body with full executive powers.” The statement added that “the continued crimes and escalation of violence only underscore the regime’s strong determination to thwart efforts to find a political solution. The Assad regime shelled towns and villages yesterday as its senior leadership sat in front of the international community, claiming to face terrorists.” Human rights groups have documented the death of 33 civilians, including 6 children, 11 women, and 3 detainees, who died under torture in Assad’s dungeons. Moreover, the Syrian Coalition stressed that “the strategy of this manipulative regime is now clear; it will use every venue to stall for time to kill more Syrians. The regime will not make any concessions, nor stop dropping explosive barrels on residential areas unless it is forced to do so. Sponsors of and participants in the Geneva II conference, with influence on the regime, must realize this fact and make sure the regime complies with the will of the international community in trying to find a political solution that guarantees a transition is achieved in Syria.” (Source: Syrian Coalition)
