An initiative has been launched calling on Bashar Assad to step down and the formation of a military council to negotiate with the opposition ahead of any U.S. strike.
Zaman al-Wasl obtained a copy of the initiative, appealing to regime officers "who still consider themselves as protectors and defenders of the nation and not the person, to demand Bashar Assad step down and save Syria from further destruction and disaster."
The source told Zaman al-Wasl that the initiative will be raised for discussion among opposition members and the Syrian National Coalition will be consulted ahead of broader circulation for signatures by a range of political and national figures, parties and groups both inside and outside Syria.
The initiative, which was launched on Sunday, includes the formation of a temporary military council from regime army officers for a maximum period of six months. During that period negotiations will be held with the opposition and the Free Syrian Army to develop an integrated transition plan under international supervision and ending up with elections, a new constitution and a national democratic regime for all Syrians.
The initiative warned that Syrian people might witness more suffering in the coming days, even harder and more serious than that in the past 30 months.
Here is the text of the initiative:
A project to be discussed within the Syrian National Coalition:
In the name of God the Merciful, we announce an initiative to be signed by national figures, parties and gatherings inside and outside Syria.
The Syrian people have been suffering for years, and this suffering could become worse in coming days. In order to increase hope, we call upon the officers of the Syrian Arab Army, who still believe in their duty to protect and defend the nation and not the person, Bashar Assad, to cooperate to save Syria from further destruction and horror.
We distinguish between the country, the person and the family, and between the sect and the regime, and we are ready to follow a genuine national partnership that will act according to justice.
Our hope is that you demand Bashar Assad and his regime step down and form a temporary military council for a maximum period of six months. The council will negotiate with the opposition and the Free Syrian Army to develop an integrated transition plan under international supervision until election are held and a new constitution written, and a national democratic regime for all Syrians is achieved.
Translated and edited by The Syrian Observer
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