Syrian opposition leader: we cannot commit to Geneva II or accept Bashar Al-Assad

The head of the Syrian National Coalition (SNC), Ahmed Al-Jarba, announced on Tuesday that “the Syrian people have become bored with the pledges of certain countries” and that right now the SNC cannot say yes to Geneva II.

In a press conference held in London, Al-Jarba stated that the final decision on Geneva II would be made by the General Commission of the SNC during its upcoming meeting slated for the beginning of November in Istanbul.

In regards to holding negotiations with Bashar Al-Assad’s regime, he said: “You want us to sell the blood of the martyrs, but we will not do it.”

Al-Jarba refuses to recognise the Al-Assad regime and also expressed his unwillingness for Iran to attend the Geneva II conference as a mediator. He insisted that if Iran would like to attend, then it has to be as part of the Syrian regime’s delegation.

Al-Jarba stressed that there are several conditions that have yet to be fulfilled before the start of any discussion. He asked for the establishment of safe humanitarian passages in several areas, including southern Damascus, Al-Ghouta Al-Sharqiya and old Homs.

He also requested the release of all female and minor prisoners, as well as the full handover of authority and its institutions and the removal of Bashar Al-Assad.

For all these demands, he also requires a clear and specific timetable.