Brussels, 29/10/2013 (Agence Europe) - On 28 October, the EU again urged the Syrian opposition “to unite and participate in the [Geneva II] conference constructively”. There are currently 19 opposition groups, including some members from the Free Syrian Army, who have threatened to judge those who would like to go to the Geneva II peace conference with treason. In the view of these groups, “the Geneva II conference is not, and will never be, the choice of the people or a demand of our revolution. For us, it's another element in the plot to derail our revolution and stop it.”
The spokesperson for High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton said that the EU has noted reports of armed opposition groups ruling out participation in the peace conference. “The significance of this is unclear since the reports have not identified any such groups”, the spokesperson stated. He added that there can only be a political solution to the crisis in Syria, achieved through negotiations, and that “the future peace conference will be a crucial step in that respect”.
In the view of UN envoy to Syria, Lakhdar Brahimi, the conference is “the start of a process”. “We hope that the opposition will manage to agree on a credible and representative delegation. We should not delude ourselves - not everyone will be present. On the other hand, the follow-up to this process will have to include as many people as possible”, he said (our translation).
In their conclusions of 21 October, the EU foreign affairs ministers called on the opposition to unite (see EUROPE 10947).
The Syrian opposition is due to meet in Turkey on 9 November. (CG/transl.fl)