Meeting between senior members of the Syrian National Coalition and UK Parliamentarians
The BGIPU in conjunction with the FCO, facilitated a meeting between senior members of the Syrian National Coalition of Opposition and Revolutionary Forces and UK Parliamentarians on Thursday 5th September. The visit of the delegation from the Syrian National Coalition followed just a week after the vote in the Commons on UK responses to the situation in Syria.
The meeting provided an opportunity for President Al-Jarba to address UK Members on the current situation in Syria, the composition and policies of the National Coalition which the UK recognises as the sole legitimate representative of the Syrian people.
The delegation consisted of the following members;
Sheikh Ahmad al-Assi al-Jarba, President, Mr Mohamed Farouk Monir Khalid, Vice President, Mr Salem al-Meslet, Vice President, Dr Bader Jamous, General Secretary, Mr Monzer Akbik, President Chief of Staff, Mr Hadi Albahra, Political Committee Secretary, Mr Walid Saffour, the UK Political Representative. The NC members were also joined by John Wilks, the FCO Special Representative to the Opposition and the discussion was chaired by John Whittingdale OBE MP.
During the meeting with parliamentarians Al-Jarba discussed the Commons vote, and thanked the UK for their humanitarian assistance and ongoing commitment to a political solution to the crisis. The discussion focussed on the current humanitarian crisis, in particular the treatment of minority ethnic and religious groups within Syria. Al-Jarba also outlined the composition of the National Coalition, the systems in place within the coalition such as elections for President of the Coalition by which Al-Jarba was elected in July this year and discussed the NCs plans for delivery on the ground in areas under their control.
UK Parliamentarians present at the meeting welcomed the opportunity to learn more about the Opposition and encouraged further exchange and dialogue with the National Coalition as the situation develops. This is particularly important, given the priority being placed by the international community on all parties reaching a political solution to the crisis, including the establishment of a government that represents the needs and concerns of all the Syrian people.
Discussions with members of the Syrian National Coalition
Discussions with members of the Syrian National Coalition
Discussions with members of the Syrian National Coalition
