September 25, 2024

In New York on Tuesday, a delegation from the Syrian Negotiation Commission, led by President Dr. Badr Jamous, met with Ms. Guusje Korthals Altes, Deputy Director of the Middle East and North Africa Department at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The discussions focused on the political process, the importance of supporting UN Resolution 2254, and the urgent need for justice for the Syrian people.

During the meeting, which also included Commission members Jamal Suleiman, Dima Moussa, and Fadwa Ojyli, Dr. Jamous addressed the ongoing systematic and deliberate obstruction of the political process by the Syrian regime. He reaffirmed the Syrian opposition’s commitment to a political solution in line with international resolutions, particularly the Geneva Communiqué and UN Resolutions 2254 and 2118. He underscored the necessity of establishing binding mechanisms within the Security Council or the General Assembly to prevent the Syrian regime from continuing to undermine the political solution.

Dr. Jamous emphasized that other international issues should not distract from the critical need for a resolution in Syria. He urged the international community to remain cognizant of the scale of the humanitarian catastrophe facing the Syrian people and to prioritize the Syrian issue in global discussions. He called for concerted international efforts to address the dire conditions endured by Syrians within the country, as well as the millions who are displaced and homeless.

He acknowledged the significant diplomatic and humanitarian efforts made by the Netherlands to support the Syrian people, highlighting the urgent need for assistance for refugees and internally displaced persons living in exceptionally harsh conditions. He cautioned against allowing this support to inadvertently benefit the Syrian regime or its corrupt networks.

In response, Ambassador Korthals Altes reaffirmed the Netherlands’ commitment to a political solution and the necessity of fully and rigorously implementing UN Resolution 2254. She emphasized that accountability and transitional justice are essential components of the political solution and vital for achieving lasting peace and security in Syria.