Istanbul 19 to 20 January 2013
The monthly meeting of the national coalition for the revolutionary forces and the Syrian opposition was held in Istanbul and was attended by more than 60 members. The meeting lasted for two days during which members discussed the latest developments inside Syria in addition to political developments on the Arab, regional and international levels. The Members heard the latest reports and developments of military confrontations with Assad regime forces. General Salim Idris, Chief of General Staff of free Syrian army, gave detailed presentation of the situation across Syria and answered questions regarding developments on the ground in many areas, most importantly in Ras Al-Ain, Homs, Darya and Deir al-Zour.
Plans and performance from different coalition offices were presented and discussed. Heads of media office, local councils support office, and humanitarian support office answered questions from members of the coalition and discussed action plans to improve the performance of these offices.
The participants decided to form a committee to move diplomatically and pressure the United Nations to stop delivery of any aid, approved under a plan to respond to Syria humanitarian needs last month, to the official Syrian institutions. Another committee was formed to resolve the crisis between Syrian people in the city of Ras Al-Ain. This committee started to contact all the forces in the area to solve the crisis.
The National Coalition decided to release an emergency aid to the city of Darya, valued at $250,000, to help the people in the city.
Many committees have been formed to follow up on the situation in Syria and to report to the coalition leadership to get a direct and effective response to the ongoing events on the ground. These committees are:
National Peace Committee
Wounded and Injured Committee
Syrian Refugees Committee
Border Crossings Control Committee
Communications and Technical Support Committee
Military Liaison Committee
Members discussed the formation of an interim government to conduct business in the liberated areas. They agreed on the need to form a capable interim government as soon as possible due to the local and international developments. The General Assembly of coalition agreed to form a committee to communicate with political and revolutionary forces inside Syria, and with international organizations and governments to assure support for the interim government. The chair of this committee is Mr. Ahmed Maaz Al-Khateeb, president of the National Coalition Syrian, and includes Mr. George Sabra, Mr. Mustafa Sabbagh, Professor Bourhan Galion, Dr. Ahmed Syed Yusuf and Mr. Ahmed Al-Jerba. The Committee was asked to complete its mission in 10 days and send a report to the General Assembly. A decision to form the interim government will be made then.
The national coalition for the revolutionary forces and the Syrian opposition salute the Syrian people for the amazing effort and scarifies that reach the level of miracles. The coalition members feel humility when they see the determination, bravery and perseverance of Syrian men and women and their ongoing struggle to make Syria a free and just country for all of us. The coalition pledges to the Syrian people to be sincere and devoted to the people and to the serious task entrusted with, at a difficult time when many abandoned one of the most amazing freedom epics that history will attribute to the great Syrian people.
May our martyrs rest in peace, May our wounded get healed, and freedom to our people and our detainees
Long live Syria free and proud
Media Office
National Coalition
For further information contact the Media Office at media@etilaf.org
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