Wall Street Journal OPINION A Moment of Truth Looms for Syria Heres why the Syrian National Coalition is willing to join peace talks in Geneva next month. By AHMAD JARBA Nov. 18, 2013 7:24 p.m. ET Next month, negotiations on the future of Syria are expected to take place in Geneva. We, the Syrian National Coalition—with members in Syria and abroad, allied against the Assad regime—made a commitment last week to attend the negotiations. We intend to work toward the objectives set out last month in the London 11 gathering of foreign ministers calling for a full transfer of power in Syria. Yet while it is vital to remain on the political track, the urgent need for humanitarian support cannot be overstated. This should be the focus of the talks in Geneva. The U.N. estimates that more than 120,000 people have perished as a result of actions by Assad and his henchmen. More than four million people have been displaced inside the borders. More than two million Syrians have been forced to flee across borders, producing a humanitarian crisis in neighboring countries. In the besieged areas of the country, there are reports of Syrian people eating cats to survive. Still, the suffering continues. Still, aid workers come under attack and lifesaving medical deliveries are blocked. Still, the free world fails to respond. Syrian women stand in line to collect aid from relief agencies for Syrian refugees in Arsal, Lebanon.Associated Press The international community says that it wants a democratic, pluralistic Syria. We share this vision, and we are working toward this goal. But until these nations apply the necessary pressure on the Assad regime and provide the support that is urgently needed, there can never be a level playing field. These Geneva II talks will test the will of those around the negotiating table. But how can I sit at that table, facing those responsible for the relentless massacres of the Syrian people, without gaining some commitments from the regime? For negotiations to succeed, the National Coalition expects three tangible outcomes. First, we need to see the confidence-building measures set out in the communiqué of the London 11 enacted in full. These measures are not political; they are humanitarian requirements, such as the Assad regime granting access to aid groups throughout the country and ending indiscriminate attacks against civilians. The need for such cooperation cannot and should not be questioned. Second, we reiterate that pressure must be applied to the regime to achieve full implementation of the communiqué from the Geneva I meeting of foreign ministers in June. This includes the formation of a transitional governing body in Syria with full executive powers and control over military and security structures. Third, we expect unity with the Supreme Military Council representing the armed opposition in Syria. International partners need to unite all their efforts and channel support through legitimate Syrian bodies, which have been recognized by the international community. The world has taken some positive steps. Aid has been sent to refugees and support has been offered to emerging authoritative bodies inside Syria, including local councils and police services. But this is still far below the support that is required. We urge the friends of the Syrian people to increase aid, in quantity and variety, to ensure that as many lives as possible are saved until a negotiated political settlement is reached. And we call upon Russia and Iran to apply pressure to the Assad regime to ensure that it adheres to its obligations. The National Coalition stands ready to play its part. Through the Supreme Military Council structures on the ground, we will take increased action to guarantee the safety of humanitarian convoys. We will take the necessary steps for temporary cease-fires in besieged areas and other areas of conflict to allow for supply deliveries. And we remain committed to complying with international laws under the Geneva Convention. We have proven to be a responsible partner for the international community. We have demonstrated credibility and resilience by assuming responsibility for the aspirations of the Syrian people. Now we have demonstrated that we are seriously working toward a political solution. The National Coalition has been formed to represent the Syrian people as long as the conflict lasts. We do not aim to rule Syria. Our purpose is to pave the way for free and fair elections, always looking to a future Syria. A future Syria must not be governed by criminals who have committed human-rights violations. A future Syria must value justice, holding to account those who are responsible for a multitude of war crimes. And a future Syria must be free of extremist elements. Every Syrian should enjoy full equality regardless of his religious or ethnic background. The conflict in Syria is not a civil war. It is a revolution. The Syrian people took to the streets with the same aspirations that exist today: equality, freedom and tolerance. We remind those involved in the fight for a free Syria that their sacrifices will bear fruit. And we ask our friends, those on the world stage who share our vision, to protect and honor these values. Mr. Jarba is president of the Syrian National Coalition.
Posted on: Fri, 22 Nov 2013 02:20:37 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015