UN-Arab League Envoy Brahimi Should Maintain Neutrality

Press Statement

Syrian Coalition

Istanbul, Turkey

November 06, 2013

The mission of UN-Arab League envoy, Lakhdar Brahimi, as far as the Syrian people are concerned, is to pave the way for a political solution that would meet their legitimate aspirations. The joint envoy has a duty to adhere to neutrality. However, his latest efforts were focused on having discussions with the Syrian “opposition” that the Assad regime approves of; the one that is a component of the Assad government.

We should remember that Syria, under the Assad government, has witnessed an unprecedented high level of violence. Moreover, since this government took power, chemical weapons have been used against innocent civilians and a war of starvation has been launched against the Syrian people. By blaming the opposition, Brahimi underscores his failure at finding a suitable formula for holding Geneva II. That is why he should maintain neutrality and adhere to what is acceptable in political discourse.

The real representatives of the Syrian people are those who are committed to achieving the demands of the Syrian people; those who do not cede or waive any rights, whether diplomatic, or on the battlefield.

The Syrian Coalition and the Free Syrian Army have a clear understanding that no good results would come out of any conference aimed to find a political solution, unless it gives Assad’s departure, and holding accountable perpetrators of crimes against the Syrian people, in top priority.

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.