Syria's High Negotiations Committee Unveils its Vision in London

LONDON, September 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

The High Negotiations Committee (HNC) launches its vision in an executive framework for political transition in Syria, tomorrow, Wednesday 7 September 2016 in the British capital London. The vision represents a comprehensive approach for the negotiating process, transitional phase and general principles in which a new political future will take shape in Syria. The HNC vision will be inaugurated under the auspices of the British Foreign Minister, Mr. Boris Johnson, and in the presence of a number of foreign ministers from the Friends of Syria Group.

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This vision is based on the Geneva Communiqué (2012) and relevant UN resolutions, which stress the departure of Bashar al-Assad and his clique. It calls for the establishment of a transitional governing body to protect the country's unity, safeguarding the state and its institutions, promoting the principles of democracy, freedom, equality and citizenship.

The HNC vision outlines political evolution through creating a governing system which allows equitable representation of all Syrians, establishing a democracy without discrimination or exclusion.  It addresses key societal issues, including local administration, return of refugees and displaced people, and adoption of national reconciliation programs to deter reprisals and ensure rights of all citizens and protect against discrimination towards particular groups. The vision includes drafting of constitutional and legal controls to apply to all institutions, with clear and effective systems, and be held accountable.  The vision highlights need for transitional justice to ensure rights of all citizens and the crucial role of women and their contributions, mandating their active participation in all state institutions and decision-making positions.

The vision includes developing practical mechanisms to stop all forms of external intervention, in conjunction with a comprehensive program to combat terrorism and eradicate extremist ideology. It addresses the economic crisis through the launch of reconstruction projects, restoration of infrastructure and resumption of basic services to all without discrimination or distinction.

The primary aim of this vision is to build sound foundations for the political transition process, leading to a final stage, bringing about political, economic and societal stability through conducting municipal, parliamentary and presidential elections and drafting a new constitution with separation of powers, freedom of the press, political neutrality of the army and the armed forces and the establishment of an independent, impartial judiciary.

• The Executive Framework for a Political Transitional Process in accordance with Geneva Communiqué (2012) - will be published online tomorrow.