August 28, 2024

Dr. Bader Jamous, President of the Syrian Negotiation Commission, met today (Wednesday) with Nicholas Granger, Director of the Syrian Regional Platform, at the U.S. Consulate in Istanbul. They discussed several current issues related to the Syrian cause and the political process, with Dr. Jamous presenting the Commission’s perspectives on these matters.

Also present at the meeting were Commission member Dima Moussa and Political Advisor at the Regional Syria Platform at the U.S. State Department. Tyler Joiner. Dr. Jamous highlighted several topics that had been discussed in the Commission’s recent meetings. He emphasized the Commission’s firm rejection of any elections conducted in northeastern Syria by the de facto authorities, as these actions could solidify divisions within the country.

Dr. Jamous also drew attention to the dire conditions faced by displaced Syrians in the Rukban camp, underscoring the urgent need for humanitarian aid. He condemned the Syrian regime’s efforts to blockade the camp and obstruct UN medical and humanitarian assistance. The conversation also touched on the plight of Syrian refugees in Lebanon, where they are subjected to violations by Lebanese authorities, and the serious risks posed by forced repatriations to Syria.

The meeting centered on the critical need to reinvigorate the political process in Syria in line with international resolutions, particularly the Geneva Communiqué and UN Security Council Resolution 2254. Dr. Jamous called for a halt to the Syrian regime’s stalling tactics and urged a return to the United Nations to enforce mechanisms that would ensure the implementation of these resolutions.

Nicholas Granger reaffirmed that the U.S. position on the Syrian regime remains unchanged and reiterated U.S. support for the Syrian opposition’s demand to implement Security Council Resolution 2254 as the cornerstone of a comprehensive and sustainable political solution.