Head of the opposition’s negotiating delegation Asa’ad al-Zoubi said that the opposition’s participation in the current round of Geneva talks is aimed at initiating political transition through the formation of a transitional governing body with full executive powers. Zoabi stressed that a political solution must ensure the departure of Assad and his inner circle at the start of the transitional period, adding that this is the key to a solution in Syria.
“We came to Geneva to prove we are serious about finding a political solution and end the war waged by the Assad regime against the Syrian people. The Assad regime, meanwhile, is evading engaging seriously in a political process and ignoring all international resolutions,” Zoabi said.
“More than 2,000 violations of the truce by the Assad regime have been recorded since the agreement was declared. The regime has also bombed Syrian civilians with more than 420 barrel bombs. Shortly before every round of talks, the Assad regime escalates violence to show it insists on a military solution.”
Zoabi pointed out that the opposition’s negotiating delegation discussed the regime’s violations of the truce with the UN envoy Staffan de Mistura. He added that they stressed the need to put pressure on the Assad regime in order to release detainees, especially children and women.
Zoabi went on to say that Iran and Russia are supplying Assad with tons of weapons and ammunition, adding that Iran has sent militias from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, the Basij forces and mercenaries to shore up the Assad regime. Zoabi stressed that this refutes claims by Iran and Russia that they are serious about reaching a political solution in Syria. (Source: Syrian Coalition)
