Syrian Negotiation Commission Discusses Requirements for the Next Phase and Confrontation Mechanisms
August 14, 2024
On the second day of the meetings of the Syrian Negotiation Commission in Geneva, members continued their deliberations on pressing internal issues and reviewed the activities of various committees. They engaged in a thorough examination of the requirements for the upcoming phase, identifying key challenges and the mechanisms necessary to address them. The Commission also assessed international positions, including the European “non-paper,” and discussed the rationale behind the announcement by eight European countries calling for a reassessment of their stance on the Syrian crisis.
Despite the lack of any anticipated changes in the European Union’s strategy and the assurances received from European envoys and politicians, the Commission emphasized the importance of sustaining engagement with the European Union. They underscored the need to reinforce the role of the Syrian opposition as a crucial player in the political solution, while clarifying the current realities on the ground in Syria. The Commission also focused on preparing for potential scenarios and developing a comprehensive strategy to navigate events that directly and indirectly affect the Syrian situation.
The discussions included a significant focus on transitional justice, highlighting the necessity for the Commission to collaborate with human rights organizations that address the issues of detainees, political prisoners, and the forcibly disappeared. The Commission expressed its commitment to coordinating efforts with these organizations and preparing documentation essential for the transitional justice process.
Furthermore, the rising tensions towards Syrian refugees, both in neighboring countries and in Europe, were critically examined. The Commission explored the underlying causes of these tensions and discussed strategies to combat discrimination against refugees, as well as measures to counteract hate speech directed at them.
The Commission reiterated the imperative of fully and rigorously implementing international resolutions, emphasizing the importance of unwavering adherence to these commitments. They called upon the United Nations to establish effective mechanisms for the enforcement of these resolutions and ensured that the Commission would refrain from any actions that could undermine the practical and transparent application of international mandates.
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