November 8, 2024
The head of the Syrian Negotiating Commission, Dr. Badr Jamous, met today (Friday) at the Commission’s office in Geneva with the official in charge of the Syria file in the French mission to the United Nations Office in Geneva, Mr. Pierre Le Goff, and discussed the latest international and European developments regarding the Syrian issue and the political solution, and praised France’s firm position that always calls for the implementation of international resolutions related to Syria, especially Security Council Resolution 2254.

The conversation between the two sides addressed the European Union’s strategy regarding Syria, and the necessity of working with all actors to move the political process, which is the only key to achieving stability and sustainable security in Syria. The international situation and the expected directions of the new US administration were also discussed, as well as the expected future policies of President Trump’s administration regarding the Middle East, and Syria in particular.

The head of the Commission stressed the need for a real political process in Syria to ensure sustainable peace, and that any support or concession to the regime could lead to further instability in the region, exacerbate the challenges that Europe may face, and contribute to the exacerbation of humanitarian crises and waves of migration, recalling the widespread human rights violations committed by the Syrian regime over 14 years against Syrians, which contradicts European values. He also pointed to a number of potential risks and negative consequences of any leniency with the Syrian regime.

The two sides discussed French support for Syrian civil society organizations’ projects, the Commission’s project that deals with youth and students, the workshops it has implemented with them, and its efforts to involve them in decision-making and facilitate their engagement in the political process.

The discussion addressed the situation of Syrian refugees in Lebanon, the tragic and dangerous living conditions they are experiencing in Lebanon, and the lack of any aid reaching them, even from international bodies that discriminate and do not take their special situation into consideration. It also addressed the situation of Syrian refugees who were forced to return to Syria and the risks of security summonses and arrest they face, and the need to raise this issue with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.