Press release
Syrian Opposition Coalition
Department of Media and Communications
April 10, 2024
The Syrian Opposition Coalition (SOC) condemns the heinous murder of Pascal Suleiman, the Lebanese Forces Party coordinator in Jbeil. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, comrades, and the Lebanese people as a whole, praying for God to grant them patience and solace during this difficult time.
We call upon the Lebanese authorities to swiftly identify and bring to justice the true perpetrators behind this reprehensible crime. Such acts seek to destabilize Lebanon’s security and stability while diverting attention from crucial issues by fabricating discord and promoting hatred and incitement against innocent Syrian refugees.
It is imperative to emphasize that this crime is not reflective of the values and principles of the Syrian people. Rather, it mirrors a longstanding tactic employed by the Assad regime and Hezbollah militia against their adversaries, particularly evident in the areas where the crime occurred, under the influence of these groups.
The SOC strongly denounces the alarming surge in attacks, violations, arbitrary arrests, and mistreatment inflicted upon Syrian refugees. These individuals were forced to flee their homeland due to the war crimes and atrocities committed against them by the Assad regime, Hezbollah militia, and affiliated foreign sectarian militias, yet they face continued persecution.
Acknowledging the weighty legal responsibilities of the Lebanese government, the SOC underscores its duty to ensure the security and well-being of refugees within its borders. Furthermore, we highlight the crucial role of the United Nations and its agencies in safeguarding Syrian refugees, stressing that their presence is a result of urgent circumstances prolonged by ongoing crimes committed by the Assad regime, Hezbollah militia, and Iranian sectarian militias in Syria.
The pursuit of justice through accountability is paramount. The SOC demands that the Assad regime and Hezbollah terrorist militia be held accountable for their egregious war crimes and crimes against humanity, including their extensive history of political assassinations in Lebanon, which have claimed numerous innocent lives.
Additionally, we urge for stringent measures to control the Syrian-Lebanese border and eliminate the security vacuum which has been caused by the Assad regime and Hezbollah. This action is essential to prevent the manipulation of this vacuum with the aim of creating tensions between the two peoples, and to uphold regional security and stability.
