Syrian opposition forms negotiation delegation in Riyadh

Syrian opposition forces announced on Friday to have formed a delegation that will represent them in international negotiations, Saudi Press Agency reported.

The opposition announced the formation of negotiating structures and its willingness to cooperate with the international community to complete the stage of a political solution.

Such a solution, however, has no role of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad at all, the opposition insisted.

They also formed specialized committees on legal issues, international relations and support.

A peaceful solution is the first choice to achieve the goals of the Syrian revolution, said the opposition's general coordinator Reyad Hijab, referring to the Geneva I talks in 2012 and UN Security Council Resolution No. 2118 on formation of a transitional rule body with full powers.

"There are goodwill and confidence-building measures should be adhered to by a partner in a political settlement, which include releasing the detained people, including women and children, lifting the siege on cities and towns that suffer hunger, oppression and bombardment in various parts of Syria and entering of the humanitarian aid," Hijab said.

The Syrian opposition has sent a letter to UN Special Envoy to Syria Staffan de Mistura, regarding the negotiation procedures and the number of delegations.

"We have received a message from the UN envoy regarding that," Hijab added.

The coordinator reaffirmed a transitional phase without Assad and insisted that they will not abandon the goals of the revolution, including the trial of Assad.

The announcement came after a meeting in Riyadh on Dec. 9 between the opposition groups from within Syria and abroad. The purpose of the meeting was to unify moderate opposition forces in the formation of an interim government in accordance with agreements reached earlier in Geneva. Endit