Syrian National Coalition (SNC) spokesman Louay Safi said on Wednesday that his delegation had published a plan known as the "Statement of Basic Principles", aimed at mapping out a future for the country as the second round of the Geneva II peace talks get underway.
Safi held a press conference after UN Special Envoy Lakhdar Brahimi met simultaneously with the SNC and a delegation from the Syria government on Wednesday.
Safi said they presented the plan to Brahimi and that the document includes 24 articles.
The statement reiterated the opposition’s call for the implementation of the findings of the previous international conferences and the formation of a provisional government with full sovereign powers and measures to improve the humanitarian situation in the country.
According to the document, a political solution will be agreed upon by the two parties taking part in the Geneva Peace Conference. This will be followed by the creation of a Transitional Governing Body that will maintain the sovereignty and independence of Syria and ensure peace while also taking whatever decisions and steps are needed to ensure the withdrawal of all external military groups and foreign fighters from the country.
The Transitional Governing Body will constitute the only legal representative of the sovereign Syrian state. It will be the only legitimate representative of Syria at international events, and in all foreign affairs-related matters. It will also be bound by all international treaties and agreements previously signed by the Syrian state. Their chief objective will be the creation of a neutral environment for a political transition to take place meets the aspirations of the Geneva Peace Conference, in accordance with articles 16 and 17 of UN Security Council Resolution 2118, issued in 2013.
The governing body will also implement and preside over an agreement to bring an end to violence in the country. It will take immediate steps to end the armed conflict, with a view towards protecting civilians and achieving national stability in the presence of international observers from the UN. They will also authorize the delivery of aid to all parts of Syria by international humanitarian organizations. No side will hinder access to humanitarian or medical aid. All sides will have to cooperate under the leadership of the Transitional Governing Body to achieve the evacuation of casualties and the return of refugees and displaced persons to their homes, which will take place with support from all sides.
Full authority to guarantee the rights, integration and participation of all Syrians regardless of religion, ethnicity, national origins and sect will be given to the Transitional Governing Body. The committee will respect and guarantee the freedom of expression; the right to form associations, civil society organizations, and political parties who gather and hold peaceful demonstrations.
