National Coalition: Positive Meeting with New Syrian Leadership

The head of the National Coalition (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The head of the National Coalition (Asharq Al-Awsat)
TT

National Coalition: Positive Meeting with New Syrian Leadership

The head of the National Coalition (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The head of the National Coalition (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Syrian National Coalition for Revolutionary and Opposition Forces announced that the meeting held on Wednesday evening at the People’s Palace in Damascus between Ahmed Al-Sharaa, leader of the new Syrian administration, and the head of the coalition, was “positive and constructive.”
The discussion reportedly involved a candid and transparent exchange of perspectives on the challenges of the current phase and potential strategies to address them in a manner that serves the Syrian people and nation.
In a statement published on its website on Sunday, the coalition addressed what it described as “misinformation” circulating on social media regarding the content of the meeting.
The group reaffirmed its support for the efforts of the interim government in Damascus “amid these difficult circumstances” to achieve security, civil peace, and stability, as well as to deliver essential services to citizens. It also expressed appreciation for the support of allied and friendly nations in providing humanitarian aid and assisting the new leadership in alleviating the suffering of the Syrian people and fostering stability.
During the meeting, the coalition leadership and the new Syrian administration discussed several critical issues, including plans for the upcoming national conference. Talks also covered the role of political and societal institutions, as well as civil society organizations that emerged during and prior to the revolution. The coalition clarified that the meeting did not involve discussions about quotas, appointments, or any matters unrelated to the broader interests of the Syrian people.
The statement underscored the need for collective action to support state-building efforts that align with the aspirations of the Syrian people. It reiterated the coalition’s vision for the transitional phase and emphasized the importance of unity among Syrians.
“All Syrians are in the same boat and must navigate it together, sharing responsibilities and working in coordination to achieve their common goals,” the statement read.

 

 

 

 



UN Rights Chief Arrives in Syria for First Ever Visit

Volker Turk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, attends a news conference at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, December 6, 2023. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse/File Photo
Volker Turk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, attends a news conference at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, December 6, 2023. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse/File Photo
TT

UN Rights Chief Arrives in Syria for First Ever Visit

Volker Turk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, attends a news conference at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, December 6, 2023. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse/File Photo
Volker Turk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, attends a news conference at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, December 6, 2023. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse/File Photo

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk arrived in Syria's capital, Damascus, on Tuesday for the first ever visit of the global body's rights chief to the country.

Turk, an Austrian lawyer, will visit Syria and Lebanon from Jan. 14-16 and meet with officials, civil society groups, diplomats and UN bodies, the UN statement said, without giving further details.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was driven from power by a lightening opposition offensive last month, ending 50 years of family rule and raising hopes for accountability for crimes committed during Syria's more than 13 year civil war.

According to Reuters, under Assad, many UN officials and rights groups were denied access to the country to investigate alleged violations.

A spokesperson for Turk's office did not immediately provide further details of how many times he or his predecessors had tried to gain access to the country. The role of High Commissioner for Human Rights was created in 1993.