Press release
Syrian Opposition Coalition – Syria
Department of Media and Communications
October 25, 2020
The Syrian Opposition Coalition (SOC) underscores the need to distinguish between international stances and the various approaches to what has been going on in Syria for the past 10 years ago, including the positions on the Syrian revolution and the Syrian people’s rights and aspirations, as well as on the Assad regime’s atrocious crimes against the Syrian people and the devastation it has brought on Syria.
As the Syrian people are closely following international stances on Syria, they are able to distinguish between them. They refuse to paint everyone with the same brush as there is a big difference between those who support the Syrian people and those who support the Assad regime and its crimes.
Ignoring these fundamental differences represents shuffling of the cards, a justification for the foreign occupation and violations of human rights, and condoning war criminals and perpetrators of the crimes of using chemical weapons, mass forced displacement and demographic change. In addition to encouraging the Assad regime to cling to its attempts to hinder political solution, these positions appear to justify the Iranian and Russian occupation and risk undermining all chances of reaching a political solution.
The SOC reaffirms that the understandings that were reached in northwestern Syria and the positions taken by Turkey significantly contributed to the protection of refugees; preserved security; and compensated for the years-long international inaction. They also fended off a catastrophe that the regime, Russia and Iran were about to commit against our people in northwestern Syria.
On behalf of the Syrian people, the SOC renews its offer of thanks and appreciation for all efforts of regional and international actors who stood by the rights and aspirations of the Syrian people, supported them in their revolution against tyranny, crime and foreign occupation; hosted the Syrian refugees; contributed to the protection of millions of displaced people; and supported the forces representing the Syrian people in preserving the country’s unity; and preventing the country from succumbing to division and extremism.
The Syrian people, with all their and components affiliations, are looking forward to more serious international and regional stances, and more committment to supporting their cause. The y are also looking forward to more efforts to put an end to this ongoing tragedy by enhancing opportunities for a political solution and creating the appropriate environment in order to force the Assad regime to seriously engage in the political process leading to the implementation of international resolutions, chief among them is UN Resolution 2254.