Media Statement

Syrian Coalition Office to the United Nations

New York, NY

July 27, 2013

President Jarba and other representatives of the Syrian Coalition participated in an Arria-format meeting with the United Nations Security Council in New York on Friday.

President Jarba’s address to the Security Council stressed the dire need for international action to end the conflict in Syria, where the number of casualties has now surpassed 100,000 according to UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon. President Jarba emphasised that opposition forces have the right to self-defense as Assad’s forces continue to carry out indiscriminate attacks on civilians. He further called for increased international pressure on the Assad regime to accept a political transition.

Jarba told the Security Council that the Syrian Coalition will work towards a negotiated solution to end the conflict, and that such negotiations must implement the Geneva Communiqué, which requires the formation of a national transitional governing body with full executive authority, including in the military and security sectors.

Jarba emphasized that the Syrian Coalition is fully committed to a pluralist, democratic Syria that is inclusive and ensures equal rights for all Syrians, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or religion.

Also speaking to the Security Council were: Dr. Najib Ghadbian, Syrian Coalition Representative to the US and UN; Mr. Michel Kilo, member of the Syrian Coalition Political Committee; and Mr. Barhoun Ghalioun, member of the Syrian Coalition General Assembly.

The Syrian Coalition's United States Offices in Washington and New York serve as the official liaison to the US government and United Nations on matters relating to the pro-democracy movement, including coordination and delivery of much-needed humanitarian aid to Syria.