Syria: CSW welcomes plan for political solution

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) has welcomed a new initiative launched by the Syrian opposition’s High Negotiation Commission during the Friends of Syria meeting in London on 7 September, outlining a political solution to the current conflict.

The “Executive Framework for a Political Solution Based on the Geneva Communique” arose from diplomatic efforts in which the United Kingdom is playing a key role. It presents a comprehensive three-phase political solution that includes an overview of the negotiation process, the transitional period, and the foundations upon which a new political system should be based.

The document underlines the fact that principles of justice and accountability must not be compromised and states that “A new political system shall be established based on a number of basic principles, including: the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Syria; a multi-party state based on freedom, democratic practice, inclusiveness, representation, and citizenship; the rule of law, human rights, and accountability, with effective mechanisms to ensure respect of human rights and dignity for all Syrians, and ensuring Syrians’ right to full participation in the political process. There shall be an inclusive national dialogue launch with no exceptions or exclusion.”

In a comment to CSW, Hind Kabawat, a senior Christian member of the High Negotiation Commission and an inter-faith dialogue campaigner, said: “Syrian people from all faiths need protection, especially the Sunni majority. The Syrian people are trapped between two killing machines: the dictator regime, and the extremist groups”.

CSW’s Chief Executive Mervyn Thomas said, “CSW welcomes this document, which provides a comprehensive road map to peace, pluralism and justice, and urges all of Syria’s warring factions to implement its provisions. We also call upon all warring parties to respect international humanitarian law and to prioritise the protection of civilians at all times. We appeal to the international community to step up efforts to bring an end to this conflict, and should the political process fail, to consider other options, including the creation of a United Nations Stabilisation and Peace Enforcement Mission for Syria.”