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Syrian Opposition Coalition Seeks International Support at U.N.

UNITED NATIONS, Jul 29 2013 (IPS) - The National Coalition of the Syrian Revolution and Opposition Forces informally met Friday with U.N. delegates and members of the Security Council to discuss changes on the ground and political transition in the country.

The Syrian delegation included former political prisoner and newly instated president of the Coalition Ahmad al-Jarba, who is a respected leader of the Shammar tribe.

Coalition member Dr. Najib Ghadbian told reporters at a United Nations Correspondents Association (UNCA) press conference that it was a great opportunity to speak to the Security Council.

“We asked three things,” said Ghadbian. “Firstly, to find a mechanism to force the Syrian regime to accept the Geneva Communique. Secondly we asked the Security Council to help us secure access for humanitarian assistance. Thirdly, we spoke of our desire for the Security Council to refer the regime to be investigated by the International Criminal Court.”

Furthermore, Ghadbian said, they had demanded that Russia stop providing political and military support for the regime.

One goal of the Syrian opposition’s trip was to ensure support of the international community in providing weapons to the Free Syrian Army.

Burhan Ghalioun, ex president of the Syrian National Council, explained “We need weapons to defend our people, to defend the liberated areas. We are asking for anti tank and anti aircraft weapons to defend liberated areas.”

After a meeting on Thursday with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, the Coalition was positive about its relationship with Washington. “They support the Syrian people. Kerry was clear that America will support the Syrian revolution. They will not allow the regime to win.”

“At the same time it was clear that the U.S. is supporting the (proposed) Geneva conference. The revolutionary forces on the ground accept the political solutions offered by the international community. “

“We also think that the U.S. administration’s view of the revolution is better now. They are moving slowly but it is better. We agreed there will be more meetings in the future.”

“With the increase in extremist elements in the country, many in the international community are concerned that any weapons provided may end up in the wrong hands. Ghalioun explained that these fears are mistaken; “the extremists don’t recognise us,” he said.

The Coalition also seemed confident in its expressed wish that the Security Council refer the Syrian regime to the International Criminal Court (ICC), even if that meant the Coalition itself might be investigated.

In response to a question about whether the Coalition would retain any elements of the regime if a new government was formed, the answer was clear- “anyone who hasn’t committed crimes against humanity.” Was there anyone left? “Maybe there is a driver.”

 
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