Press Release
Syrian Opposition Coalition
Department of Media and Communications
January 12, 2025
Some social media platforms have circulated false information regarding the meeting held last Wednesday at the People’s Palace in Damascus between the head of the New Syrian Administration in Damascus, the President of the Syrian Opposition Coalition (SOC), and the Head of the Syrian Negotiations Commission.
The SOC stresses that the meeting was positive and constructive, with views and positions exchanged openly and transparently regarding the current challenges and ways to address them in the best interests of our people and nation. The meeting reaffirmed support for the efforts of the Interim Government in Damascus during these difficult times to achieve security, civil peace, and stability, and provide essential services to citizens. We also expressed our appreciation for the support provided by friendly and sisterly nations in the form of humanitarian aid and assistance to the new leadership, which helps alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people and enhances security and stability.
The SOC’s leadership discussed several important topics with the leadership of the new Syrian administration, including the planned National Conference. The SOC’s leadership listened to the vision of the new administration’s leader regarding this conference, the transitional phase, the current economic conditions, and his plans to revitalize Syria and its economy. The discussion also touched on the role of political institutions, social entities, and civil society organizations established during and before the revolution, and his perspective on their role during the transitional phase. The SOC’s leadership presented its vision on these matters. The meeting did not, in any way, address issues related to quotas, positions, or other matters unrelated to the interests of the Syrian people.
Both sides approached all discussed topics with positivity and complete transparency, emphasizing the importance of working collectively to support state-building efforts that Syrians aspire to achieve, in line with their goals and sacrifices during the revolution. The SOC presented its vision for ensuring the success of the transitional phase, highlighting the necessity of all Syrians being in the same boat, rowing together towards shared goals with cooperation and coordination to achieve these objectives. The new administration’s leader echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of everyone rowing in the same direction to steer the boat safely to shore.
The SOC notes that the meeting lasted approximately two hours and forty minutes and was positive, addressing the most critical issues and challenges facing Syria during this historic phase.