Press release
Syrian Opposition Coalition
General Assembly
September 14, 2021
The Syrian Opposition Coalition’s (SOC) General Assembly held its 58th session in Istanbul on 10-11 September. The session began with observing a minute of silence for the fallen heroes of the Syrian Revolution. SOC’s President Salem Al-Meslet gave an opening speech after presenting the work reports for the past two months, including the reports of the presidency, vice-presidents and the General Secretariat.
Al-Meslet addressed important aspects related to the work of the SOC’s members and their representation of the Syrian people and the need to make a change in the method of work to ensure increased efficiency, absolute commitment to responsibility and better communication with the people, the rules and components represented by the SOC’s members. He stressed the right of the Syrian people to see the SOC as an active, effective, fortified and productive institution.
Al-Meslet made it clear that no one is exempted from accountability and reviewing the legality of their representation. He concluded his speech by conveying the voice of the Syrian people who are waiting for action and want the SOC, its institutions and members to be by its side on the ground.
The Vice-Presidents and the Secretary-General presented their briefings in which they presented their work reports during the past two months.
The General Assembly reviewed the reports of the Syrian Interim Government, the Syrian Negotiations Commission, the Constitutional Committee and the Assistance Coordination Unit, in addition to the reports of departments, offices and representations.
Ministers of the Syrian Interim Government presented a detailed presentation of the most important works and achievements of the ministries, the difficulties they face, and opened a wide discussion about the activities of the Syrian Interim Government at various levels.
President of the Syrian Negotiations Commission, Anas Abdah, gave an overview on the major developments in the political process, the results of the Commission’s meetings, and its meetings with the countries active in the Syrian file and the UN envoy Geir Pedersen.
Co-chair of the Constitutional Committee, Hadi Al-Bahra, also gave an overview detailing the state of deadlock and obstruction that the Committee is witnessing due to the positions of the regime, which practically trampled on the substance of the Constitutional Committee and drafting a new constitution for the country.
Director of the Assistance Coordination Unit, Muhammad Hasano, presented a detailed report on the work and projects of the Unit. The report was enriched with questions from the audience and the answers of the Head of the unit.
Al-Bahra, in his capacity as the SOC’s representative and Head of the Steering Board of the Syria Recovery Trust Fund (SRTF), presented a detailed report on the work, activities and important projects of the Fund. A detailed discussions took place on the most important axes of the Fund’s work.
Participants reviewed the reality on the ground and the military situation, especially the developments in Dara’a and Idlib, and the SOC’s role in the current stage.
On the political level, participants discussed the complex international situation and the prospects for reactivating international positions in order to support the political transition and end the era of criminality and tyranny in Syria.
The General Assembly stressed the need for all institutions of the revolutionary forces to step up efforts to work in the liberated areas, support programs and activities, provide more services, and communicate directly with civil society organizations and popular and civil components.
Moreover, participants stressed that activating the SOC’s headquarters in the liberated areas is a continuous task so that it can serve as a model for Syria’s future institutions.
Tabled for discussion was also the issue of detainees and missing persons, as the General Assembly reviewed the report of the National Commission for Detainees and Missing Persons related to the past two months. SOC’s members commented on the activities and work of the Commission, by presenting suggestions and ideas in a way that contributes to increasing international interest in this issue and making the voice of the free detainees heard on the world level.
The General Assembly dealt with complaints it received about the behavior of some elements in the northern regions. The members stressed the importance of imposing the rule of law, following up on any abuses and investigating them in a transparent and impartial manner, and verifying law enforcement, justice and redress for all parties.
The General Assembly stressed the need to extend its hand to all forces of the revolution and openness to all, and to work together as one hand to ensure the continuation of the revolution’s path in order to achieve the aspirations of the Syrian people for getting rid of the criminal regime, achieving freedom and independence, and building a modern democratic civil state for all its citizens.
May our wounded recover, our detainees be free, and our fallen heroes rest in peace.
May the Syrian Revolution emerge victorious.
