UN Press Conference

Press Statement

Hadi al Bahra

Member of Syrian Coalition Political Committee

March 14, 2014

Earlier today, the Syrian Coalition briefed the members of the Security Council, one day before the third anniversary of the start of the Syrian uprising. Later this afternoon, we will be briefing several other countries, including the members of the Delegation of the European Union.


Our delegation has separately met with several other countries, including the UK, Saudi Arabia, France, Rwanda and Chad. Later this afternoon, we will be meeting with the US Permanent Representative to the UN, Samantha Power and the Joint Special Representative to Syria.


We have made the following points during our meetings:

Until now, the international community has failed Syria. The Security Council and the broader UN membership have been unable to protect the Syrian people from a brutal dictator.

The Syrian Coalition remains committed to the political process. However negotiations have stalled because the Syrian regime refuses to discuss the core purpose of talks, namely the formation of a Transitional Governing body.

For peace talks to succeed the Security Council must make it clear to the regime that it must comply with the Geneva Communiqué and engage in talks to discuss the formation of a Transitional Governing Body. If they do not, then there must be consequences, including the implementation of coercive measures through the adoption of a Chapter VII resolution.

Free and fair elections cannot be held in Syria in the present violent circumstances. Any attempt to hold elections risks undermining the Geneva talks which remain the only political track to find a solution to Syria’s conflict.

The Syrian Coalition is committed to upholding international humanitarian law and providing urgent humanitarian support, which is why we are working with our allies to swiftly to implement UNSCR 2139 swiftly in the areas we can.

Despite the adoption of UNSCR 2139, the Syrian regime continues to obstruct and violate international law. As a result, the humanitarian situation in Syria continues to deteriorate and millions of people remain in critical need.