By Abdullah Gadawi
(Zaman Al Wasl)- Badr Jamous, member of the political commission in the National Coalition said the key opposition group is at a pivotal stage, calling on all members to moblize efforts to preserve this political entity which is recognized by 117 countries.
Jamous spoke of Riad Seif’s project to restore consideration to the Coalition and activate its relations on the ground in Syria to become closer to Syrians than it has ever been before. As part of its efforts to address Syrians’ needs, the Coalition is in discussion with the Turkish government to form a high commission to monitor Syrians’ conditions inside Turkey.
During the interview with Zaman al-Wasl, he considered that daily criticism of the Coalition is unhelpful and that all sides should work to support the Coalition. He argued that the commotion that Seif’s election stirred up was inappropriate and the election process was democratic.
Focusing on Riyad Seif’s election and its effect on the Coalition, Zaman al-Wasl asked, “It is said that Riyad Seif’s election divided the Coalition and caused a split... What do you say?
“The democratic process and the emerging views about each candidate cannot be described as a split. The coalition since its establishment has held elections, and every time there are different points of view about the candidates. Alliances were formed between the blocs in these elections, and this is not new. Each time we look to reach a consensus, and when we do not reach a consensus we go to the elections ... In this election, the difference was 17 votes while in the previous elections the difference was not more than five votes.”
What are the criteria for the team which supported Riad Seif’s candidacy?
“Choosing Seif comes as a result of the difficulties the Coalition experienced as in the recent period the international community has abandoned the coalition. This increased the Coalition’s burdens and placed greater responsibilities on it in the political sphere and at the level of supporting the interim government.
This accumulation of responsibilities placed the Coalition in a difficult situation and gave it not the best reputation... Before this distorted image - so to speak - it was necessary to find a figure known to Syrians who stood up against the regime at its strongest. We hear and know that many say where did so and so come from to lead the opposition... And from here came the importance of electing Raid Seif who is known to the Syrian people… and today more than any other day past, we look to gain the confidence of the Syrians.
Everyone is talking about the consideration given again to the Coalition. Do not think that time is over for such talk?
“Actually, we do not have options. The Coalition, whether we like it or not, is the representative of the Syrian revolution, so do we attack this entity? Is the option that we dissolve the Coalition? Today, we need to strengthen the Coalition which is the best option for the Syrian people, so that this political body will be active in the transitional phase. Let me say that trying to find a replacement for the Coalition is almost impossible. The Coalition has offices in some countries, and it has weight and must be preserved and built on, and this is our only choice. If the coalition made mistakes in the past, but the Syrian people should support us and trust this institution.
You spoke about how the Coalition must offer something for countries to approach towards it… What is this thing?
“There are three central fundamentals: the first is that the coalition must truly be the real representative of the Syrian people and it must be representative of all currents. The coalition was a closed club, and now it is essential to have the largest representation of Syrians. There is talk of expanding it, and there are those who are thinking of resigning, and they would be replaced with other personalities. The second issue is for the Coalition to be present in the liberated areas which depends on the strategic relationship with Turkey. The third axis is that the Coalition is the representative of the Syrians in the broadest sense, and these are the determinates of the new president's project.
Have you received any pledges or at least indicators of support for the Coalition internationally or regionally?”
“It is not possible to expect to get support two weeks after the election of the new president. The Coalition must do something and present it for countries to approach us. The first visit was to the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and it was an excellent meeting. We asked the Turkish side to form a higher committee to support the work of the Interim Government and solve the problems of Syrians living in Turkey. If this committee is formed, we will solve many Syrians’ problems… I do not want to talk much about what must be done as the Syrian people have heard enough words and want actions.
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