Syrian opposition urges return to direct negotiations with government
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The Syrian opposition agrees to resume direct negotiations through the High Negotiations Committee, pointing to several regional and local factors that have catalyzed this step.
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Syrian opposition members holding a meeting in Geneva (Social media)
The parties which constitute the Syrian Opposition High Negotiations Committee in Geneva have reached an agreement on a unified statement, in which they considered the current international, regional, and Syrian developments, as well as increased activity in regard to Syrian politics, have provided the necessary elements for a suitable environment for the resumption of direct negotiations between all Syrian factions.
The Syrian opposition committee took its decision in accordance with the provisions of UN Resolution 2254 and as per a specified agenda and timetable, yet stressing that these negotiations should not be limited to the resumption of the work of the Constitutional Committee.
The Syrian opposition welcomed the statement issued by several Arab foreign ministers in Amman on May 1, outlining the general principles of the Arab initiative for Syria, in which all sides are expected to reciprocate initiatives in goodwill.
The Syrian opposition also took note of the progress achieved in the Jeddah Declaration issued by Arab leaders on May 19, however, it criticized the lack of any reference to Resolution 2254.
The opposition statement further criticized the collective Arab decision to readmit Syria to the Arab League before ensuring the Syrian government's "commitment to international resolutions."
The Syrian opposition reiterated its call for holding the "perpetrators of genocide and crimes against humanity" accountable and urged relevant international organizations, particularly the United Nations, to take the necessary legal and regulatory measures to achieve justice.
On Saturday, Al Mayadeen correspondent reported that the meetings of the High Negotiations Committee in Geneva, scheduled for two days, kicked off with the participation of 28 out of 36 members.
He also mentioned that representatives of the Moscow platform are attending the current meetings for the first time since suspending their participation in 2019.
