Hadi Al-Bahra, President of the Syrian Opposition Coalition (SOC), held a meeting with the European Union Chargé d’Affaires to Syria, Michael Ohnmacht, and his accompanying delegation to discuss the latest political and on-the-ground developments in Syria.
The meeting was attended by Vice Presidents Abdel Majeed Barakat, Dima Moussa, and Abdul Hakim Bashar, along with Secretary-General Haytham Rahmeh and the Coordinator of the Foreign Relations Department, Abdulahad Astepho.
The discussions focused on the current situation in Syria, particularly following recent military operations. They addressed the political and humanitarian implications, particularly the assurances being given to civilians and the efforts being made to ensure their personal safety and property, protect public facilities, restore the functionality of institutions and service directorates, and retain bureaucratic employees in their positions to fulfill their duties.
The SOC stressed the importance of the international community working through the UN Security Council to activate the political process under UN auspices, based on the Geneva Communique of 2012 and UN Resolutions 2118 and 2254.
President Al-Bahra reaffirmed that a comprehensive political solution is the only path to ending the suffering of the Syrian people and reuniting Syria’s land and people. He emphasized that achieving this requires a political transition through the establishment of a transitional governing body with full executive powers, meeting Syrians’ aspirations for justice, freedom, and democracy.
Al-Bahra underscored the need for effective governance in liberated areas and highlighted the critical role of local councils, unions, associations, and chambers of industry and commerce, involving the local population. These entities are also essential during the transitional phase for resource management and task execution. He noted that the SOC closely monitors administrative mechanisms in Aleppo through its members present there, particularly regarding interactions with civilians, respect for their rights, and progress in public services and facilities.
“We consistently stress the need to respect civilians’ rights and ensure their safety and security. We work with armed opposition groups to strengthen this approach to stabilize and rehabilitate liberated areas. We are witnessing tangible results on the ground,” Al-Bahra said.
He pointed out that Aleppo, as Syria’s second-largest city, is diverse in population. Like any major city, despite its unique challenges, there are elements of criminality. Efforts are ongoing to combat crime in accordance with the law.
The SOC also called for decisive actions to prevent the Assad regime from targeting civilians and public infrastructure, while highlighting the need to enhance humanitarian aid and early recovery projects.
Michael Ohnmacht expressed the European Union’s interest in recent developments in Syria. He stressed the importance of progress toward a ceasefire and the initiation of serious negotiations based on the UN-led political process and its special envoy’s efforts.
Ohnmacht affirmed the EU’s continued support for humanitarian assistance and aid for the Syrian people. He stated that the EU would promote early recovery projects in Aleppo and other areas, emphasizing the importance of improving governance systems based on democratic principles to serve as a model for all of Syria.
(Source: SOC’s Media Department)
