Syria: Foreign Minister Westerwelle congratulates new President of the National Coalition

Speaking in the Federal Press Conference today (8 July) on behalf of Foreign Minister Westerwelle, the Federal Foreign Office spokesperson commented as follows on the election of a new President of the National Coalition of the Syrian Opposition:

> The German Foreign Minister welcomes the National Coalition’s agreement on a new leadership and congratulates Ahmad Jarba, its new President, and his deputies on their election at the weekend.

> The aim now must be to achieve greater unity of purpose among the opposition forces and put the National Coalition onto the broadest possible footing.

> We expect the National Coalition’s new leadership to clearly indicate its willingness to participate in the Geneva peace process.

> We want Assad to make way at last for a political solution. We call for an end to this war being waged against the Syrian people.

> Foreign Minister Westerwelle urges the regime in particular to allow medical and humanitarian access to civilians in the embattled city of Homs.