December 24, 2024

The Head of the Syrian Negotiating Commission’s Office in Geneva, Mr. Hussein Al-Sabbagh, met with the official in charge of the Syria file at the UK Mission in Geneva, Ms. Anna Burt, and the official in charge of the Syria file at the Netherlands Mission, Mr. Hein-Peter Knecht. The two sides reviewed the current Syrian situation and the most important points addressed by the Head of the SNC, Dr. Badr Jamous, in his briefing to the Security Council on December 17.
The Head of the Geneva Office explained that the roadmap set by the Head of the Commission for the Security Council is based on the spirit of UN Resolution 2254, and begins with a national dialogue in Damascus in which all Syrian national forces participate, and a call to form a comprehensive national transitional government, followed by holding a comprehensive national conference organized by the transitional government to choose a constituent assembly tasked with drafting a new constitution, and organizing a referendum on the constitution and free and fair elections in a safe and neutral environment under the supervision of the United Nations.
He referred to the call of the head of the SNC to the members of the Security Council to establish funds to support detainees and families of martyrs of the revolution, and to support refugees and displaced persons to return to Syria. He also stressed the importance of returning defectors and those forcibly dismissed to their jobs.

He explained that the SNC seeks to establish a reliable and inclusive system of governance, non-sectarian, that takes into account public freedoms and the rule of law, which requires the support of political forces and civil society and their cooperation to ensure a better future for Syria after years of repression and tyranny.

The discussion addressed the need to move forward with the files of justice and accountability, and the importance of protecting evidence and documents of state institutions.

The two European officials in charge of the Syrian file indicated their countries’ support for a political transition in line with Security Council Resolution 2254, while stressing the link between lifting sanctions and developments in Damascus and discussions on a comprehensive political transition.

The two sides agreed on the need to continue meetings and discussions in Geneva, with the possibility of the participation of representatives of other European missions.