European Union welcomes convening of the first sessions of the Syrian People's Council

Brussels, July 16 (KUNA) -- The European Union welcomed today, Thursday, the convening of the inaugural session of the Syrian People’s Council, describing it as “a new step in the country’s political transition.” In a statement, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas predicted that the Council would play a pivotal role in meeting the legitimate aspirations of all components of the Syrian people. She added that the Council would assume a key responsibility within its mandate: adopting a new constitution and implementing fundamental reforms that will chart Syria’s future. Kallas explained that the success of the transitional phase would depend on several factors, most notably “the Council’s ability to pave the way toward an inclusive political system based on the rule of law, political pluralism, and transparent elections that enable the participation of all Syrians without discrimination, while ensuring respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.” The EU reaffirmed its full commitment to supporting a “peaceful, stable, and inclusive” transition in Syria, as well as efforts toward recovery and reconstruction, alongside the continued provision of humanitarian aid to ensure that basic services reach those in need. She also expressed the EU and its member states’ readiness to cooperate with the Syrian People’s Council and its members to support capacity-building, promote good governance, and work jointly to achieve common objectives, including respect for international law and the UN Charter. (End) A.R.N. / S.A.M.