Media Statement
Syrian Coalition
Istanbul, Turkey
September 13, 2013
The Syrian Coalition is deeply skeptical about the Assad regime’s signing of the Chemical Weapons Convention on Thursday. Such a gesture comes as too little too late to save civilians from the regime’s murderous intent and is clearly an attempt to evade international action as well as accountability in front of the Syrian people.
A UN Security Council resolution on the matter must enforce compliance through clearly defined timelines and consequences.
The Chemical Weapons Convention requires a state to act in good faith. Considering the regime’s actions, this is not something the Syrian people can afford to grant the regime. It is vital the threat of force stays on the table. For a UNSC resolution to be anything other than a get-out-of-jail free card for the regime it must be enforceable under Chapter 7.
The regime cannot be allowed to use diplomatic activity to indefinitely stall international action while it continues its policy of widespread violence against civilians. This can only be accomplished by making it clear to the regime it must fulfil obligations within a set time period, and that international military action will be the consequence of non-compliance.
The Coalition is also clear that in the unlikely event the regime does turn its weapons of mass destruction over to the international community to be destroyed, the Syrian people will not consider the regime absolved of its guilt.
During the last 30 months, the regime has used violence against civilians as – what the UN has called – a “matter of policy”. This has included the poison gas attack on Aug. 21, more than 10 previous instances of chemical weapon use and countless instances of attacks on civilians by rockets, tanks and warplanes.
Long live Syria and its people, free and with honor.
