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Syrian Opposition Document Submitted in Geneva Calls for Establishing a ‘Pluralist Republic’

UN Envoy Geir Pedersen, DPA
UN Envoy Geir Pedersen, DPA
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Syrian Opposition Document Submitted in Geneva Calls for Establishing a ‘Pluralist Republic’

UN Envoy Geir Pedersen, DPA
UN Envoy Geir Pedersen, DPA

The Syrian opposition’s High Negotiating Committee (HNC) has submitted to Constitutional Committee meetings in Geneva a four-page document promoting a number of national principles as items that should be covered by the country’s constitution.

These values demanded that the political system in Syria takes the shape of a republic established on pluralism. Power must be delegated democratically and through voting. Political parties, in turn, must contribute to Syria’s political scene while respecting the constitution and national sovereignty.

The fourth round of the Constitutional Committee talks involving government, opposition and civil society representatives concluded on Friday. The fifth round is set to convene on January 25.

During previous rounds, UN envoy Geir Pedersen managed to reach a written agreement between members in November that the fourth round would discuss “national foundations and principles”.

The HNC’s document, which Asharq Al-Awsat obtained a copy of, came as a response to an earlier document presented by the head of the government delegation Ahmed al-Kuzbari.

The government had demanded that the HNC rejects “acts of terrorism,” as well as “economic terrorism.” It also shed ISIS and the Muslim Brotherhood in the same terrorist light, while condemning “foreign Turkish, Israeli and American occupation,” omitting any mention of Iran and Russia.

Presented by the head of the HNC delegation Hadi al-Bahra, the HNC’s document stressed that Syria is an independent, civil, democratic, and fully sovereign state. It also underlined the territorial integrity of Syria, saying that the country was indivisible and that no part of its lands may be ceded.

In the document, Syria is mentioned as a founding member of the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the United Nations and its commitment to the principles of good neighborliness is cited.

Syria, according to the document, is committed to restoring its sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights by all legitimate means and in accordance with international law.

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Arab World

Lebanese Opposition Intensifies Efforts to Agree on Presidential Candidate ahead of Jan. Election

The Lebanese parliament convenes to extend the term of Army Commander Joseph Aoun. (National News Agency)
The Lebanese parliament convenes to extend the term of Army Commander Joseph Aoun. (National News Agency)
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Lebanese Opposition Intensifies Efforts to Agree on Presidential Candidate ahead of Jan. Election

The Lebanese parliament convenes to extend the term of Army Commander Joseph Aoun. (National News Agency)
The Lebanese parliament convenes to extend the term of Army Commander Joseph Aoun. (National News Agency)

The Lebanese opposition has intensified its contacts and meetings in preparation for the presidential election set by parliament Speaker Nabih Berri for January 9.

Talks have focused on the potential presidential candidates and reaching an agreement on a figure who will be approved by rival forces, notably the Shiite duo of Hezbollah and Amal, which is led by Berri.

The duo has been the main party responsible for obstructing the election of a president in the past. Lebanon has been without a head of state since October 2022 when the term of Michel Aoun ended without the election of a successor.

French presidential envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian was in Lebanon last week to discuss the elections with local leaderships.

The election will be closely watched by the international community given the volatile regional situation and in wake of the ceasefire reached between Israel and Hezbollah.

Lebanese Forces MP Ghayath Yazbeck said the opposition is working tirelessly to come up with a candidate that would be accepted by the other camp.

He told Asharq Al-Awsat that former minister Jihad Azour may no longer be a suitable nominee given the different circumstances in the country and since the Shiite duo and their allies view him as a “contentious” candidate.

The other camp, on their end, must also avoid naming a candidate seen as “controversial” by the opposition, he remarked.

Even though Lebanon has been going through the presidential vacuum for over two years, the opposition is still coming up with the suitable characteristics of a candidate.

Yazbeck said the country needs a president who thoroughly understands economy and can carry out needed reforms. He must enjoy the trust of international institutions, including the International Monetary Funds and World Bank.

He revealed that it seems that Hezbollah and Amal are leaning towards abandoning the nomination of Marada Movement leader Suleiman Franjieh.

“The Lebanese Forces and opposition don’t want to fill the post with just any person. Rather, they want a president who believes in Lebanon’s sovereignty and who can carry out reforms, address thorny political and security ties, and rebuild bridges with Arab countries after the damage caused by the other camp,” he stressed.

On whether the LF backs the nomination of Army Commander Joseph Aoun, he replied that he remains a “strong candidate” and the LF does not oppose his run for the presidency.

Meanwhile, independent MP Michel Daher announced that he backs Aoun’s candidacy, explaining to Asharq Al-Awsat that he can “manage stability in Lebanon, which will in turn attract investments to the country.”

“A candidate with an economic background cannot create the desired security,” he remarked.