Dr. Jamous: A Collective Strategy to Address Challenges and Defend Syrian Interests
August 13, 2024
The Syrian Negotiation Commission (SNC) commenced its regular meeting today, Tuesday, in Geneva, Switzerland, which will continue until August 15. The agenda includes discussions on various political issues at local, regional, and international levels, a review of the previous phase, and the formulation of strategies for the upcoming phase.
During the meeting, the commission will examine the latest developments in the political process and assess the challenges faced in the past phase, including interactions with the Syrian community, the United Nations, influential countries, and Arab states. They will also present a vision of regional and international changes and their impact on the political process, in addition to discussing legal and administrative matters related to the commission, ultimately aiming to formulate a strategy for the next phase.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Badr Jamous, President of the Syrian Negotiation Commission, provided an overview of the Syrian and international circumstances, highlighting the increasing complexities surrounding the issue. He emphasized the need for deep reflection and innovative mechanisms to achieve a satisfactory and just solution for the Syrian people.
Dr. Jamous summarized the commission’s activities in the recent period, which included meetings with envoys and representatives from various countries, discussions with American officials, engagements with officials from several Arab countries, and a visit by a delegation from the commission to New York, where they held multiple meetings with several missions at the United Nations. He also addressed meetings with Syrian activists in various countries.
He discussed recent movements by Russia, Europe, and the United States that are directly or indirectly related to the Syrian issue, stressing the importance of accurately understanding the current reality. Dr. Jamous pointed out the declining interest of European and American nations in finding solutions to the Syrian crisis or exerting pressure on this matter. He noted attempts to marginalize Resolution 2254 and seek solutions outside the framework of international resolutions, including the European “non-paper,” as well as the actions of some countries regarding the refugee issue. He highlighted concerns about the risks posed by this file and the attempts by certain nations to use it to push for normalization with the Syrian regime. He also discussed how the principle of early recovery is being improperly leveraged to benefit the Syrian regime, the conflicting interests of various countries, and the absence of a unified international approach. Additionally, he criticized the lax American stance and the international community’s disregard for the Syrian regime’s obstruction of the political solution, the disruption of constitutional committee meetings, and the evasion of responsibilities and obligations as mandated by international resolutions.
Dr. Jamous emphasized the need for a clear and innovative strategy in the upcoming phase, highlighting the importance of leveraging all available relationships with different countries for the benefit of Syrians and the Syrian cause. He noted that the commission’s strategy in the previous phase focused on partnership and interaction with the local community and Syrian civil society organizations, strengthening relationships within Syria, and consolidating ties with research centers, media, diasporas, and influencers on the ground, including Syrian activists. The strategy also reaffirmed the significance of UN Resolution 2254 as the sole internationally agreed solution capable of achieving sustainable peace and safe political change, as well as strengthening relationships with friendly countries and international envoys.
Dr. Jamous confirmed that Turkey has set conditions for normalizing relations with the Syrian regime, primarily focusing on finding a political solution that guarantees its national security, ends terrorism—especially from the Kurdistan Workers’ Party and the Syrian Democratic Forces—and establishes logical, safe humanitarian solutions for the return of millions of refugees. He pointed out that the refugee issue is becoming increasingly complicated in Europe amid the rise and growing influence of far-right movements.
He discussed the internal Syrian situation in terms of economic, political, and security aspects, addressing the risks facing these files internally and the genuine challenges confronting the Syrian opposition. He emphasized that the strength of the opposition derives from the resilience of Syrians who reject the authoritarian security regime and continue to rely on the opposition. He also highlighted the dangers posed by any attempts to normalize relations with the Syrian regime, which could diminish the international significance of the Syrian issue. He stressed the necessity of confronting such attempts or establishing limits to them and underscored the importance of proposing various scenarios and developing a strategy to address them, ensuring that the commission remains flexible and prepared for any prevailing path.
Extensive discussions took place during the meeting among all commission members representing various components, with many suggestions and ideas presented that could contribute to enhancing the political solution. They reviewed the phase of reshaping Middle Eastern alliances amid larger global conflicts and reaffirmed their commitment to relying on the Syrian interior and revolutionary forces until the demands of the revolution are met, actively engaging with all stakeholders in support of this revolution.
Throughout its meetings, the commission is examining all available options to advance the political negotiation process in accordance with international resolutions, particularly the Geneva Communique and UN Resolutions 2118 and 2254. They are also exploring means to counter any attempts to divert political paths, marginalize the legitimate demands of Syrians for a state of freedom, justice, and citizenship, or halt or limit normalization, while influencing allies to maintain their steadfast positions regarding the regime, the people, and the Syrian solution. At the conclusion of the meetings, the commission is expected to issue recommendations and a strategic action plan for the upcoming phase.
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