As Conflict Enters 1000th day, Syrian Coalition Reaffirms Democratic Vision and Demands End to Assad’s Rule

Press Statement

Syrian Coalition

Istanbul, Turkey

December 9, 2013

As Conflict Enters 1000th day, Syrian Coalition Reaffirms Democratic Vision and Demands End to Assad’s Rule

1,000 days have now passed since Syria’s democratic uprising first began, only to be violently suppressed by the Syrian regime. In commemoration of this tragic date, the Syrian Coalition today honors the millions of Syrians who continue to struggle in pursuit of a peaceful and democratic future for our country.

Syrians have a history of commitment to democratic reform. In 2005, Syria’s moderate opposition published the Damascus Declaration, a unified vision of achieving a democratic Syria through a peaceful process of reform based on inclusion, dialogue and agreement that would end Assad’s totalitarian rule.

Six years later, in March 2011, protests spread throughout Syria in support of the same vision. Though determined to peacefully establish a Syria that is democratic, inclusive and free, Syria’s protestors were met with extreme violence and repression by regime forces.

Today, rather than abandon their calls for reform, millions of Syrians continue to stand united in support of a democratic future for our country.

1,000 days after Syria’s democratic uprising started, the majority of Syrians remain committed to the goal of bringing democracy to our country, even as they experience ongoing violence, displacement and widespread suffering.

“Today marks a tragic milestone, which honors our country’s democratic resistance and serves to remind us of the many lives lost in Syria in pursuit of freedom,” said Dr. Najib Ghadbian, Special Representative of the Syrian Coalition to the UN. “After 1,000 days of suffering, the Syrian people continue to appeal to the world to end its indifference and act with urgency to remove Assad and support our efforts to build a peaceful and democratic future for Syria.”

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.