Syrian Coalition Says Crimes Against Humanity Cannot Be Absolved Through Political Concessions

Media Statement

Syrian Coalition

Istanbul, Turkey

September 10, 2013

The proposal put forward by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to place the Assad regime's chemical weapons under international supervision does not address the issue of accountability for crimes against innocents.

The proposal is a political strategy that aims to stall for more time, which will allow the regime to cause more death and destruction in Syria, and pose a threat to the countries and peoples of the region.

The Syrian Coalition emphasises that the violation of international law necessitates a serious and proportionate response. It is not possible under any circumstances to allow war crimes go unpunished. Crimes against humanity cannot be absolved through political concessions, or surrendering the weapons used to commit them.

The only guarantee of serious negotiations is establishing the right conditions. This is best achieved by stopping the Assad regime's killing machine and bringing to justice perpetrators of war crimes against the Syrian people.

It is vital to remember that the Assad regime, notwithstanding its use of chemical weapons, continues to use all kinds of conventional weapons against innocent women and children. The Assad regime, which has butchered people with knives and burnt them alive, has exhausted all time limits over the past two-and-a-half years.

Long live Syria and its people, free and with honor.