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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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UN Envoy: What We See in Syria is a Mark of Collective Failure

Resolution 2254 was adopted by the Security Council on 18 December 2015 (UN archive)
Resolution 2254 was adopted by the Security Council on 18 December 2015 (UN archive)
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UN Envoy: What We See in Syria is a Mark of Collective Failure

Resolution 2254 was adopted by the Security Council on 18 December 2015 (UN archive)
Resolution 2254 was adopted by the Security Council on 18 December 2015 (UN archive)

United Nations Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, said on Sunday he is closely monitoring the situation on the ground in Syria, where a dramatic shift in frontlines was seen in recent days.
“What we see in Syria today is a mark of a collective failure to bring about what has plainly been required now for many years – a genuine political process to implement Security Council resolution 2254,” the envoy said in a statement.
Pedersen noted that in Syria, a country torn by nearly 14 years of war and conflict, the latest developments pose severe risks to civilians and have serious implications for regional and international peace and security.
As an immediate priority, he said, “I strongly emphasize the urgent need for all to uphold their obligations under international law to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure.”
“This is a clear message to all parties engaged in hostilities of any kind. I will continue to push for civilian protection and deescalation,” the envoy added.
Pedersen then recalled the times he repeatedly warned of the risks of escalation in Syria, of the dangers of mere conflict management rather than conflict resolution, and the reality that no Syrian party or existing grouping of actors can resolve the Syrian conflict via military means.
“I call for urgent and serious political engagement – among Syrian and international stakeholders - to spare bloodshed and focus on a political solution in accordance with Security Council resolution 2254,” he said.
The envoy then affirmed his will to continue to engage all parties and stand ready to use my good offices to convene international and Syria stakeholders in new and comprehensive peace talks on Syria.
Presented by the US, Resolution 2254 was adopted by the Security Council on 18 December 2015.
It emphasizes the need for all parties in Syria to take confidence building measures to contribute to the viability of a political process and a lasting ceasefire, and calls on all states to use their influence with the Syrian government and the opposition to advance the peace process, confidence building measures and steps towards a ceasefire.
The resolution also expresses support for a Syrian-led political process that is facilitated by the UN and, within a target of six months, establishes credible, inclusive and non-sectarian governance and sets a schedule and process for drafting a new constitution.
Since the adoption of the resolution, Geneva has hosted several meetings of the parties involved in the conflict in Syria. However, those parties failed to reach an agreement, especially after Moscow established in 2017 the Astana dialogue followed in 2018 by the Sochi process.
Resolution 2254 calls on the release of any arbitrarily detained persons, particularly women and children, and on the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) states to use their influence immediately to these ends.
It demands that all parties immediately cease any attacks against civilians and civilian objects as such, including attacks against medical facilities and personnel, and any indiscriminate use of weapons, including through shelling and aerial bombardment.