Press release
Syrian Opposition Coalition
Department of Media and Communications
March 14, 2021
The Syrian Opposition Coalition (SOC) extends its sincere congratulations to the Syrian people on this glorious, exceptional occasion: the tenth anniversary of the outbreak of the Syrian Revolution. On the first day, the revolution has achieved its most important goals, namely toppling the pillars of the terror regime the Assad gang built over decades. The road to complete the mission and lay the pillars of a pluralistic, civil, democracy has become only a matter of time, depending on our efforts and contributions.
In history there is no place for incomplete revolutions. We thus have no choice but to continue to work, absolutely certain that this revolution will fully achieve its goals and give rise to a pluralistic, democratic, civil state for all Syrians without exception – a state that is based on equal citizenship and the rule of law; respects all citizens and social components; highly values ​​women and children; empowers young people; a state that is able to turn a new page and ensure a decent life for us and for future generations.
The free people around the world cannot but appreciate the tremendous sacrifices that our great people are making for the sake of freedom; work for saving tens of thousands of detainees in the Assad regime’s prisons; help millions of displaced people; and exert pressure on governments, international parties and human rights organizations to assume their responsibilities.
It is imperative that the world support the oppressed in Syria; remove the cover on the Assad regime and expel it from all international organizations; support Syrian free people in their struggle against the regime; confront Russian attempts to rehabilitate the regime; and confront the Iranian regime’s expansionist plans aimed at spreading hatred and sectarianism.
On this occasion, all Syrian political forces, intellectual and cultural figures are invited to engage in serious societal dialogue serving the homeland and contributing to saving it at all levels. This dialogue needs to be supported along with the national dialogue project sponsored by the SOC that has been ongoing for several months.
After a decade of hardships, we are required today to use this important juncture to make serious review; assess our work and analyze the mistakes; and take into account the current circumstances as crucial for our success in overcoming the challenges lying ahead.
Just as the road ahead will not be short or easy, we will not achieve our goals by ignoring crises and problems as they will not go away on their own. We need to regain the spirit that filled the Syrian cities, towns and villages during the 2011 demonstrations as well as restore the initiative and hope.
There is no alternative for revitalizing the revolution and effective engagement in the political and civil work everywhere, at home and abroad. We have to distill the experiences that we have accumulated over the past years to assist us in pursuing victory, freedom and peace.
As we celebrate the tenth anniversary of the revolution, we hope that this day will bring with it an end to an era of displacement, detention, prosecution and torture. We also hope that by the next anniversary we will have achieved our goals for freedom, justice and dignity; put a political transition in place; toppled the regime; forced out the occupation forces aiding the regime; and gathered in Syria’s squares chanting for freedom.
Glory goes to the heroes of this revolution and to those who stood with them.
May our wounded recover, our detainees be free, and our fallen heroes rest in peace.
Long live Syria and its people, free and with honor.
