Syrian Coalition approves basic principles for political settlement: meeting

Translation by Yusra Ahmed

(Zaman Al Wasl)- The General Body of the Syrian National Coalition for Revolutionary Forces and Opposition has acknowledged the document for “Essential Principles for Political Compromise” at the end of meeting held in Istanbul from 13th to 15th this February.

The document confirms that negotiation for political compromise would start at the point reached in Geneva-2 conference 2014, to implement all points of the statement agreed in Geneva conference that held on 30th June 2012.

The document explained that negotiations aim to radically change the political regime, the president and all its symbols and security forces to build a civil democratic regime bases on power circulation and political diversity beside equality among all Syrians and protect their rights as citizens.

The document declared that international forces need to work to achieve the goals, besides both negotiators need to abide by international legal principles.

Stopping killing, shelling, targeting, arresting and torturing civilians were the main condition for negotiations according to the document.

The compromise agreement that supposed to be resulted from negotiation held under the United Nations’ supervision, should form a “Transitional Authority” which would be the only legal and authorised body to present the Syrian Sovereignty all over the Syrian land.

The negotiation document revealed the responsibilities of the transitional Authority which would present Syria in the international events, in 12 points, the first one would be keeping and protecting the country’s sovereignty, independency and Unity, and to take all procedure to withdraw all the outside militias and foreign fighters.

Stopping violence and withdrawing armed forces from residential areas and planning to integrate the armed forces within the national army and other security forces after restructuring the army and the security regime.

The Authority would work to stop violence and protect civilians under the United Nations’ representatives' supervision, besides releasing detainees and political prisoners detained before the revolution.

An integrated re-building plan would be one of the most important duty of the Authority, and facilitate the return of displaced and refugees to their areas and securing the route to deliver medical and humanitarian aids and treating wounded and patients.

The Authority would put criteria to judge and question the war criminals and who committed humanitarian crimes and violations against human being rights.

The document highlighted the point of reconciliation and forming a body to help in founding the principles of justice and try to alleviate the tension happened during the crisis.