Press release
Syrian Opposition Coalition
General Assembly
January 19, 2022
The Syrian Opposition Coalition’s (SOC) General Assembly held its 60th session on Monday. The session began with observing a minute of silence for the fallen heroes of the Syrian Revolution. SOC’s President Salem Al-Meslet delivered an opening speech that included a general overview after he presented the work reports of the past two months, including the reports of the SOC’s presidency, representatives and the general secretariat.
In his speech, Al-Meslet, gave an overview on the major political and field events and meetings. He stressed that there will be no solution in Syria as long as the criminal Assad regime survives in power. He also stressed that the Syrian people still insist on overthrowing the Assad regime and holding all its criminals accountable. He made it clear that this is the only way to ensure an end to the carnage in Syria and the suffering of tens of thousands of detainees in the Assad regime’s prisons, the safe return of the displaced and refugees, and the implementation of UN resolutions on Syria, especially UN resolution 2254.
Al-Meslet also stressed that this has been the firm, explicit stance of the SOC since day one, adding that any statements seeking to dilute this stance or suggest otherwise are absolutely rejected.
Moreover, Al-Meslet briefed the SOC’s members on the results of his recent visits and meetings, concluding his speech by stressing the need to follow up and activate all projects related to the work of the SOC’s departments and committees, and to increase communication with the SOC’s components.
Vice-presidents and the Secretary-General presented reports on their work and diplomatic meetings during the past two months to the General Assembly.
Coordinators of the SOC’s departments, offices and committees also submitted their work reports. They discussed the majority of the local and foreign issues relating to Syria, as well as department’s efforts to activate the political process and implement UN resolutions on Syria.
Head of the Syrian Interim Government’s (SIG), Abdurrahman Mustafa, presented a report on SIG’s work and activities in the liberated areas.
Co-chair of the Constitutional Committee, Hadi Al-Bahra, gave an overview on the current situation of the political process. He made it clear that the Assad regime is mainly to blame for the deadlock in the process as it insists on obstructing political solution and the implementation of UN resolutions.
Furthermore, participants discussed the field and military situation, especially the recent escalation in northwestern Syria, the crimes that Russia, the Assad regime, and Iranian militias continue to commit, the SOC’s role in the current stage, and the ongoing preparations to raise the combat readiness of the Syrian National Army in anticipation of any upcoming military operation.
The General Assembly stressed the need for all SIG’s ministries and institutions to improve performance and services across the liberated areas and to strengthen relations with all civil society organizations and NGOs.
The SOC’s members of in the liberated areas gave an overview on the activities of the SOC’s offices in these areas, most notably the continuous communication with the various segments of society, institutions and civil society organizations, and local notables.
The General Assembly stressed that the spirit of teamwork, solidarity and dialogue should prevail the ranks of the forces of the revolution and opposition. It also stressed that development and reform are a constant need and a basis for work. Moreover, it underscored the need to benefit from all the staff, capabilities and expertise in a way that contributes to strengthening the course of the revolution so as to fulfil the Syrian people’s aspirations for getting rid of tyranny, regaining 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.
Long live Syria and its people, free and with honor.
