Success of Syrian National Dialogue Congress Depends on “Opposition’s” Understanding that It Is Time to End Violence

 DAMASCUS, (ST)- “The success of the forthcoming Syrian National Dialogue Congress in Sochi depends on the Understanding of the different opposition groups that it is time to stop violence, lay down weapon and be engaged in national dialogue that leads to a comprehensive settlement of the ongoing crisis,” Dr. Bouthaina Shaaban, the Presidential Political and Media Advisor has stressed.

In a statement to Sputnik, Shaaban said that Syria adopts a constructive and practical policy that believes in partnership, political dialogue and common destiny of all components of the Syrian people. She expressed the Syrian government’s readiness to have dialogue with all who believe in political solution of the crisis in Syria.

  “We are ready for dialogue with all who believe in political solution of the crisis,” Shaaban affirmed, pointing out that the opposition’s willingness and ability to join a true political process has not become ripe yet”.

The joint declaration of the summit held on Wednesday between the presidents of Russia, Iran and Turkey in Sochi called representatives of the Syrian governments and the Syrian opposition, which is committed to the Syrian state’s sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity, to have a constructive participation in the Syrian National Dialogue Congress due to be held in the Russian city of Sochi.

 The declaration clarified that the three countries agreed on active work as to make the congress a success, noting that consultations will be held to identify who will take part in this event.

When asked to assess the results of the summit meeting, Shaaban said that the decisions made by the presidents would contribute to the settlement of the crisis in Syria and the eradication of terrorism.

She made it clear that “Russia and Iran have provided Syria with invaluable assistance in its endeavor to defeat terrorism and restore peace to Syria. So we believe that all acts and measures taken by [the Russian and Iranian] Presidents [Vladimir] Putin and [Hassan] Rouhani would be conducive to the settlement of the crisis and the final defeat of terrorism, which amounts to a total victory of the Syrian people”.

The adviser stressed that Syria had always trusted Russia and Iran as its close allies.

“We believe that they will save no effort to put an end to the crisis in Syria. They have been cooperating with the Syrian army to eradicate terrorism, and preserve Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We are comfortable with all the efforts of our friends and allies,” Shaaban added.

Hamda Mustafa