Joint Press Release “Original in Arabic”
Syrian Coalition/National Coordination Committee
July 24, 2015
For the fifth consecutive year, our people in Syria have been making enormous sacrifices to regain freedom and dignity, putting an end to tyranny, establishing a democratic civilian ruling system based on political pluralism and peaceful transfer of power, as well as to guaranteeing the rights of all Syrians on the basis of equal citizenship.
Due to the international community’s inaction Syria’s existence, the disunity of its people and the integrity of its territory, the Syrian National Coalition of the Syrian Revolution and Opposition Forces and the National Coordination Commission of Democratic Change Forces held bilateral talks in Brussels on July 22-24, 2015. The issues discussed were caused by the escalation of killings, destruction and displacement, war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity committed by the Assad regime and the sectarian militias it has imported and the forces of cross-border terrorism, particularly ISIS and al-Qaeda. The talks were centred on the attacks Syrians face and ways to respond to them through a joint national effort combining the forces of the Syrian revolution and opposition as well as through laying out a common vision that paves the way for the resumption of the political process under the auspices of the United Nations.
The two sides have reached a road map to save Syria that includes “The Document of Basic Principles for a Political Settlement.” The document calls for the implementation of the Geneva Communique issued on June 1, 2012 starting with the formation of “a transitional governing body” with full judicial, executive and legislative powers, including all the powers of the president of the republic, the ministries and state bodies and institutions together with the army, intelligence and security branches and the police.
The talks included agreeing on the following points:
The Syrian Coalition and the National Coordination Commission condemns the regime’s relentless targeting of unarmed civilians in all Syrian cities and towns using barrel bombs and missiles. They also stress the responsibility of United Nations and the international community to stop the genocide and murder against our people, and to take measures to ensure full protection of civilians.
The two sides also condemn terror acts carried out by ISIS, Hezbollah and sectarian militias as well as the Iranian military intervention alongside the regime, and confirm their commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms, including the sides specified by UN Security Council resolution 2170.
Moreover, both sides stress that a political solution in Syria can be achieved through a political process handled by the Syrians themselves working with the United Nations based on the implementation of the statement issued by the Working Group for Syria on June 30, 2012 with all its provisions, based on UN Security Council resolutions. This process must bring about radical and comprehensive change to the current political system, including head of the regime its ruling elite, and security apparatuses.
The two sides also stress the concept of national partnership for all Syrians, whether they are societal or political components, in building Syria’s future, ensuring equal citizenship rights for all Syrians without any discrimination, participation of Syrian women in all rights and duties, and ensuring their representation in all aspects of the transition process.
While both sides call for the United Nations, the permanent members of the UN Security Council, and the Working Group for Syria to work seriously for the resumption of the Geneva negotiations, they affirm their quest to unify the vision of the revolutionary forces and the Syrian opposition about a political solution in Syria. They also emphasize commitment to consulting with all political and revolutionary and rebel forces to reach a common political ground. The parties will continue, in the framework of equal and effective participation, to make every effort to introduce the road map to save Syria and the principles of a political settlement to all countries in the Syrian crisis to urge them to support it.
Furthermore, a negotiating team will work for a political settlement must be competent and be representative of the revolutionary forces, the Syrian opposition and the components of the Syrian society.
Both sides express their appreciation for the European Union’s efforts aimed at providing appropriate conditions for the success of this meeting, and urge it to continue efforts for the resumption of the political process in accordance with the international references.
Mercy for the fallen heroes, recovery for wounded, and freedom for the detainees.
Long live Syria and its people free and with honor.
