Press release
Syrian Opposition Coalition
Department of Media and Communications
April 17 2022
The Syrian Opposition Coalition (SOC) congratulates the free Syrian people on the 76th Anniversary of the Evacuation Day.
Syria gained independent on that day thanks to the struggle, steadfastness and courage of its sons and daughters, as well as their insistence on living a decent life. This day represents an important milestone and a turning point in its modern history.
The Assad regime’s treatment of the Syrian people since seizing power in the 1970 coup is nothing but an occupation as the regime looted the country’s resources for its benefit and that of its inner circle. Its security services have been a horrible nightmare haunting the Syrian people, causing a brain drain and the alienation of the cultural and political elites from decision-making centers.
Eleven years ago, the Syrian people revolted against this murderous regime and its terrorist practices, speaking up against injustice and demanding freedom. The regime responded with unparalleled criminality, killings, extermination, arrest, torture and forced displacement of millions of Syrians.
Today, the Syrian people are fighting for yet a new independence, represented by the removal of the Assad regime, Russia, Iran and the terrorist militias that Assad used to kill the Syrian people. While the Syrian people were demanding freedom and dignity, the murderous regime was bringing foreign occupiers, mercenaries and sectarian militias to wreak death and destruction on the country.
The Day of Evacuation inspires us to continue our revolution with more determination and steadfastness; and gives us hope for salvation and the birth of freedom for which a million Syrians sacrificed their lives. It also urges us to intensify efforts, unify ranks, and work hand in hand to regain the long-awaited freedom.
The crimes that the Assad regime persisted in committing took place in full view of the whole world which has so far failed to stop this ongoing carnage, nor did it seriously seek to do so.
On this occasion, the SOC renews its calls on the international community to assume its responsibilities in Syria and to work hard to revitalize the political process in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2254 by opening all the provisions of the resolution in parallel negotiating tracks and within a specific timetable. This will contribute to achieving political transition and laying the first building block for building a new Syria.
Despite all the challenges, the Syrian people will continue their revolution until they achieve all their goals of building a new Syria, a civil and democratic state in which all Syrians live in freedom, dignity and justice.