The Syrian opposition on Sunday confirmed its participation in UN-brokered peace talks in Geneva this week, despite threats on Friday by the Assad regime to quit the negotiations.
“Syrians mean nothing to a regime that cares only about itself,” opposition spokesman Yahya Al-Aridi told Arab News.
“We’ll be in Geneva on Tuesday, meeting the UN special envoy (Staffan de Mistura) because we’re serious, we’re responsible and we want a solution for our people, whose interests are above everything for us,” he said.
“The other side’s interest is in holding on to power even if the Syrian nightmare continues.”
On Friday, the UN envoy put on a brave face despite the impasse, saying he had asked the delegations to engage in talks and give their reactions to 12 political principles.
As mandated by UN Security Council resolution 2254, the talks will focus on governance, a schedule and procedure to draft a new constitution, and holding elections as the basis for a Syrian-led, Syrian-owned process to end the conflict.
“We thank Staffan de Mistura for recognizing the unity of the opposition delegation, and the efforts by Saudi Arabia are appreciated,” Al-Aridi said.
“The reality on the ground is that Russia and Iran are in control, putting the Assad regime up as a facade.”
The spokesman’s remarks came as the Syrian-Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) said on Sunday it had cleared Daesh from key territory east of the Euphrates River.
The YPG said the victory in Deir Ezzor province came with logistical and air support from Russia and the US-led coalition.
Bahia Al-Mardini, a UK-based Syrian journalist and human rights activist who fled regime persecution, told Arab News: “The scorched-earth policy practiced by the regime, and the Russian and Iranian support it receives, are continuing the suffering of the Syrian people, leading to further bloodshed and fueling further anger from ordinary Syrians who just want to see peace and democracy.”
She said: “After so many years of conflict, the Syrian people deserve much better than the brutality of the Assad regime and the terror inflicted by Daesh.” She added: “While the Syrian regime is once again stalling progress at every turn with the help of Russia, I’m confident that the international commitment to seeing progress will carry on.
“It’s clear that the regime doesn’t want peace, nor is it serious about reaching a fair solution. But we can’t give up hope of achieving democracy.”