Final communique
Syrian Opposition Coalition
General Assembly
November 23, 2023
The General Assembly of the Syrian Opposition Coalition (SOC) convened its 69th meeting in the liberated areas of Syria on November 23. Commencing with a minute of silence for the innocent victims in Syria and Palestine, the assembly addressed critical developments, emphasizing the commitment to justice, accountability, and the well-being of the Syrian people.
President of the Syrian Opposition Coalition (SOC), Hadi Al-Bahra, provided an overview of the latest political developments, presenting comprehensive work reports spanning the past two months. These reports included updates from the presidency, vice-presidents, and the General Secretariat.
The General Assembly extensively reviewed reports from the Syrian Interim Government, the Assistance Coordination Unit, and various departments, offices, and representations. President of the Syrian Negotiations Commission, Badr Jamous, briefed the assembly on political developments, outlining outcomes from intensive meetings with foreign officials. Jamous underscored the Assad regime’s obstruction of the political process and the international community’s steadfast rejection of normalization, emphasizing UN Security Council Resolution 2254.
Acknowledging the imperative of achieving justice, the attendees commended judicial procedures in France and international efforts at the International Court of Justice by the Netherlands and Canada. The SOC expressed gratitude to Syrian organizations and communities actively pursuing accountability and sanctions internationally, calling for increased coordination in these endeavors.
Addressing on-the-ground developments, the participants discussed the reality in liberated areas, highlighting the Syrian Interim Government’s contributions to public services, food security, solar energy generation, and infrastructure rehabilitation. Emphasizing the importance of an independent judiciary, they urged the completion of the Syrian National Army and civilian police forces under the Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Interior, respectively.
Participants underscored the need for security, stability, and justice, condemning violations and crimes against civilians. They advocated for a unified tax system under the Ministry of Finance and Economy, ensuring fairness and sustainability in public services. Additionally, the SOC rejected unfair fees on the return or visit of Syrians to their homeland.
Focusing on education, the assembly stressed the improvement of educational standards for the recognition of university degrees issued by the Higher Education Council of the Syrian Interim Government.
The SOC praised the resilience of the people of Suwayda and their peaceful demonstrations, echoing the demands for freedom, dignity, and democracy in adherence to UN Security Council Resolution 2254.
The centrality of detainees and forcibly disappeared people was reiterated, with the SOC calling for international pressure on Assad regime allies to release over 150,000 detainees. Urging a nationwide ceasefire for the safety of civilians and facilities, the SOC called on the UN Secretary-General, his envoy, and the Security Council to revitalize the political process in Geneva.
Supporting the Syrian Negotiations Commission’s request for a special UN Security Council session, the SOC urged measures to address obstacles to implementing Council Resolution 2254. Additionally, the SOC called on the UN and member states to fulfill obligations toward refugees and displaced persons, denouncing violations and measures against them.
Strongly denouncing the Israeli military onslaught on Gaza, the SOC expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people and called for immediate international efforts to stop the aggression. In conclusion, the SOC reaffirmed its commitment to the legitimate demands and aspirations of the Syrian people, emphasizing that these aspirations guide its work.
May our wounded recover, our detainees be free, and our fallen heroes rest in peace.
May the Syrian Revolution emerge victorious.
