Mission of Special Envoy Lakhdar Brahimi

Press Release

Syrian Coalition

Istanbul, Turkey

October 29, 2013

Since he agreed to become the UN-Arab League envoy to Syria, Lakhdar Brahimi sought to find a solution based on his own understanding of the conflict in Syria. On many occasions, Brahimi accused the Assad regime of not responding positively to “solution initiatives.” Furthermore, he also leveled similar accusations against “the opposition," putting the executioner and the victim on an equal footing.

The mission of the special envoy Lakhdar Brahimi, as far as the Syrian people are concerned, is to pave the way for a political solution that would meet the goals of the revolution. The Syrian people started an uprising against a tyrannical regime in March 2011 because they wanted to see freedom, justice, and democracy in Syria.

It must be clear to everyone that what is called “the conflict” in Syria is not a fight between parties over power. It is not a civil war. It is a popular uprising against a tyrannical regime; an uprising that calls for freedom, dignity and a peaceful transition to democracy. The Syrian people only had to pick up arms to defend themselves and their families when the Assad regime cracked down on the uprising using bullets and brute force.

Brahimi’s latest remarks on the possibility of Assad playing a role in the transitional period and the participation of Iran in Geneva II only intensify international polarization and make it harder to reach a political solution to the crisis in Syria. Those remarks, which are in stark contradiction to what Friends of Syria, London 11, declared on October 22, show that Brahimi has gone beyond the role assigned to him.

Everyone knows, including its closest allies, that the Assad regime is the central problem. It cannot be, thus, part of the solution. By clinging to power, the Assad regime only serves to perpetuate the crisis.

In preparation for Geneva II, allies of the Assad regime and Mr. Brahimi, in addition to all the countries that aim to put an end to the conflict and spare the Syrian people further bloodshed, should put intense pressure on the regime to acknowledge the Syrian people’s legitimate demands for freedom and dignity.

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.