All news

Syrian opposition spokesman declines to comment on Assad’s role during transition period

The demand for Assad’s immediate resignation has been included in the communique of the Syrian opposition conference in Riyadh

GENEVA, December 6. /TASS/. Spokesman for the united Syrian opposition delegation at the talks in Geneva, Yahya Al-Aridi, has declined to give a straightforward answer to the question on whether the delegation believes it will be possible for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to have any role during the transition period.

"There are international resolutions [on this matter], there is the Geneva communique, and there is [UN Security Council Resolution] 2254. And what they say, we are committed to them," he said answering a question from a TASS correspondent. "We also urge the United Nations, the world to help in implementing these resolutions."

Al-Aridi said that none of the opposition members seek to fill some positions in the government. "Our basic goal is just to bring this country back to peace and tranquility and to end this tragedy, this nightmare the Syrians are living," he added.

The demand for Assad’s immediate resignation has been included in the communique of the Syrian opposition conference in Riyadh. The Syrian government delegation says it should be deleted.

The transition period in Syria, also known as the "political transition," is due to begin after agreements on the settlement in Syria are reached at the talks in Geneva. During the transition period, it is planned to set up a special governing body, but UN Security Council Resolution 2254 does not specify the possibility of certain individuals’ involvement in it. The transition period is to end with the presidential and parliamentary elections.