National Coalition: Protecting Civilians and Safeguarding Cultural Heritage

Media Statement

Syrian Coalition

Istanbul, Turkey

September 06, 2013

The Syrian Coalition and the Supreme Military Council (SMC) reaffirm their total commitment to protecting the Syria people regardless of their ethnic, political, religious, or denominational backgrounds. Preserving Syria’s cultural and religious heritage is a top priority.

Free Syrian Army (FSA) Battalions have destroyed two regime checkpoints in Maaloula and Jiba’din on the Homs-Damascus international highway on Wednesday, September 4, 2013. Fierce clashes erupted between FSA and regime forces, supported by “popular committees” militias near the main entrance of Maaloula.

The FSA remained on the outskirts of the city of Maaloula for a few hours before they withdrew in order to save civilian lives and preserve the ancient cultural heritage of the city, as Bilaja Sayyaf, a nun speaking from Mar Takla monastery, confirmed yesterday.

The Syrian Coalition and the SMC express concern over the possibility that Assad will commit crimes against civilians in the town in an attempt to discredit the FSA.

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