September 25, 2024

The Syrian Negotiation Commission delegation engaged in discussions with Mr. Neville Aquilina, the Director General for Global Issues, International Relations, and Economic Affairs of the Republic of Malta, along with his accompanying delegation, in New York on Tuesday. The talks centered on the latest developments in the political process, the worsening situation in Syria across multiple dimensions, and the critical need to safeguard Syrian refugees’ rights while addressing the dangers associated with their forced return to Syria.

The delegation, comprising commission members Anas Al-Abda, Dima Moussa, and Fadwa Al-Ajili, underscored the European Union’s firm stance against normalizing relations with the Syrian regime in the absence of tangible progress on implementing UN Security Council Resolution 2254. They emphasized the importance of closely coordinating with international partners to reinvigorate the political solution process, which the Syrian regime has been completely obstructing.

The members highlighted that the Syrian Negotiation Commission remains committed to international resolutions and respects their implementation. However, they noted the Syrian regime’s persistent refusal to comply with these resolutions, despite broad international and regional consensus. They warned that the continued status quo would lead to further deterioration of security, humanitarian, and economic conditions in Syria, thereby exacerbating the global refugee crisis.

The delegation stressed the futility of normalizing relations with or rehabilitating the Syrian regime. Instead, they argued that the regime should be held accountable for the war crimes committed against the Syrian people since 2011. They called for the initiation of transitional justice processes alongside the political solution to ensure accountability for those responsible for crimes against the Syrian people.

The delegation expressed hope that host countries would adhere to international laws, respect the presence of refugees, protect them, and ensure a dignified life for them. They highlighted the severe risks associated with forcibly returning refugees to Syria, as their lives would be in real danger due to the ongoing repression and violence by the Syrian regime.

Finally, they emphasized that the issue of detainees and forcibly disappeared persons is a non-negotiable matter. They called for increased international pressure to compel the Syrian regime to release its detainees, ensure their safety, and disclose the fate of the forcibly disappeared.