Syrian National Coalition secures strong support from the EU

Press Release

Syrian Coalition

May 23, 2016

BRUSSELS [23 MAY 2016] - A delegation of the Syrian National Coalition, led by President Anas Al-Abdah, met today with High Representative Federica Mogherini, as well as senior representatives from the European Commission and European Parliament.

The delegation welcomed the EU’s renewed support for the Syrian Opposition, including through the use of Comprehensive Syria Peace Initiative, and the EU’s condemnation of the Assad regime’s indiscriminate targeting of civilians in Syria. The delegation also reiterated the urgent need for steps to enforce unrestricted humanitarian access throughout Syria, including by ensuring that the ISSG pledge to carry out air drops is met if access remained restricted beyond June 1.

Commenting on the visit, President Abdah said: “We had a very positive discussion this morning with High Representative Federica Mogherini, and welcomed the EU’s efforts to step up support to the Syrian opposition as well as actively developing plans to support post-conflict stabilisation in Syria. Throughout our meetings today, we also received strong assurances of the EU playing a more proactive role in pushing forward the political process both through tangible progress on humanitarian access and the plight of detainees. The threat of extremism and the refugee crisis require a comprehensive EU approach to the conflict in Syria; in parallel the EU must take urgent steps to accommodate more refugees through a compassionate response in the short term.”