Final Statement
9th Meeting of General Assembly of the Syrian Coalition
Istanbul, Turkey
September 16, 2013
The General Assembly of the National Coalition of Syrian Revolution and Opposition Forces has concluded the work of its 9th meeting held on September 13th – 15th Istanbul, Turkey. The General Assembly held lengthy discussions on the latest political and military situation in Syria as well as the use of chemical weapons on Eastern and Western Gouta on August 21st, 2013. The General Assembly also discussed the latest U.S.-Russia agreement and other important issues.
The General Assembly,
The Chemical Weapons Dossier and the U.S.-Russia Agreement:
- Considers turning over and the elimination of chemical weapons a procedural matter and does not bring perpetrators of crimes against the Syrian people to justice. It stresses that the least credible thing the international community, as well as Friend of Syria, can do is to protect Syrian civilians. Achieving this goal can only be done by arming the Free Syrian Army and stopping the use of air force, and ballistic missiles against innocent civilians.
- Notes that the Assad regime considers the U.S.-Russia agreement a mandate to continue to commit crimes and massacres using conventional weaponry. It has also caused concern as the regime’s recent escalation of military operations against the Syrian people has dimmed, with the recent threat of military action.
- Considers the Russian proposal a political maneuver aimed to give the regime time to quash the Syrian revolution and kill more civilians. We stress that the sole focus on the U.S.-Russia agreement and ignoring other significant issues related to the Syrian revolution is politically, legally, and ethically unacceptable; it could further have dire consequences on the peace and security of the region.
- Rejects decisions which implicitly acknowledge those still left in the Assad regime. It does not discuss the participation of the Assad regime’s figures in shaping the future of Syria, and considers the lack of accountability for Assad’s crimes completely disregarding international norms and laws.
- Notes with deep concern the continued lethal support Russia and China still provide to the Assad regime while at the same time backing political initiatives. This demonstrates the complicity of these two countries in the deaths of Syrian people.
- Emphasizes that giving the Assad regime more time with continued military support by Russia and Iran will not improve conditions necessary to hold a Geneva II conference. If tipping the balance of power on the ground towards the Syrian people and the rebels is not achieved, all efforts related to holding a peace conference, and the chances of its success, are in grave peril.
The Interim Government
- Elects Dr. Ahmad Tomeh to lead the interim government. The Syrian Coalition places its confidence in him, and wishes him success in carrying out his duties.
The Agreement with the Kurdish National Council:
- Approves the political document agreed upon with the Kurdish National Council, and stresses that the Syrian Coalition will send correspondence to the Kurdish council requesting three representatives to attend the next General Assembly meeting.
Decisions and Laws:
- Approves, in relation to the preservation of national sovereignty, a law that states: “The Coalition is committed to ensuring all agreements, treaties, and conventions it concludes with all political party will be brought before the first elected parliament in Syria for amendment, approval, or abolition.”
Members of the Syrian Coalition reiterate their complete commitment to moving forward to achieve the aspirations of the Syria people and the goals of the Syrian revolution. Furthermore, they reject any compromises or attempts to change the course of the revolution.
We ask for Mercy for our martyrs, health for our wounded, and freedom for our detainees.
Long live Syria and its people, free and with honor.
