Geneva II is a Chance for the International Community to Prove its Seriousness

Press Statement

Syrian Coalition

Istanbul, Turkey

November 26, 2013

The Syrian Coalition considers setting the 22nd of January, 2014, as a date for Geneva II conference, a positive step as it will result in the formation of a transitional governing body with full executive powers, including over security and military apparatuses.

The Syrian Coalition remains committed to bringing freedom and democracy to the people of Syria, as we continue to push for transition at the Geneva II conference. With the support of the Syrian people, our goals are to implement a change from tyranny to freedom for all Syrians regardless of faith or faction, through the transfer of power to a transitional governing body free from Assad and all criminals responsible for killing Syrians.

The Coalition reiterates that there is enough time for the international community to prove its seriousness before the beginning of the conference by pushing for three vital matters: access of international relief agencies into all besieged areas, delivery of medical care into areas suffering from epidemic diseases, and the release of all political prisoners, especially women and children.

The Syrian Coalition has expressed its vision for a political solution on many occasions, particularly through its last General Assembly’s resolutions, as well as its letter to the Arab League Foreign Ministers' meeting in Cairo. The Coalition has also welcomed the final communiqué of the London core 11 group meeting last October.

The Syrian Coalition continues its full compliance with the UNSC Resolutions, with the Geneva communiqué of June 30, 2012, and London Communiqué of October 22, 2013 and with the Arab League Resolution of November 4, 2013. Assad remains defiant in the face of the international community and opposes these resolutions, agreed upon by the majority of world powers. Furthermore, Assad continues to torture and massacre Syrians under a disguised pretense of cooperation. We must work together to stop Assad’s vicious genocide of the Syrian people.

The Syrian Coalition believes the international community must show the seriousness and firmness necessary for a successful Geneva II conference by ensuring that the implementation of any negotiated agreement is enforceable under a binding Security Council resolution. The Syrian Coalition believes that through Geneva II the suffering of the Syrian people will come to an end, and a transition to peace, freedom and democracy will surely take place in 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.