Press release
Syrian Opposition Coalition
Department of Media and Communications
June 30, 2022
The Syrian Opposition Coalition (SOC) stresses that the Assad regime is illegitimate and does not represent the Syrian people. While the Syrian people denounced the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the criminal Assad regime recognized the independence of the regions occupied by Russia, thus supporting and participating in this invasion.
The Assad regime’s support for the Russian invasion and its sending of militias to fight alongside Russia, in addition to its recognition of Russia’s occupation of Ukrainian regions, is unacceptable to the Syrian people. This recognition represents a submission to the will of the dictator of Russia and subordination to its orders.
The SOC views Ukraine’s decision to sever relations with the Assad regime as a step in the right direction, albeit late. The Assad regime and its Russian and Iranian allies pose the gravest threat to international peace and security.
It is imperative, therefore, that the international community act swiftly to deter Russia and the Assad regime, stop their aggression against civilians, and exclude their representatives from all international forums. Any further delay in deterring them will lead to more killings, terrorism and crises.
The years-long international silence on the crimes of Russia and the Assad regime against the Syrian people has contributed to the crimes taking place in Ukraine, which may happen in any other country if these crimes go unpunished.
