The PES welcomes the mediation efforts of the Arab League. Its latest proposal constitutes a credible plan for swift and effective transition to democratic progresses. It calls for the stepping down of the current President, dialogue between regime and opposition, the formation of a national unity government, the election of a constituent assembly and free elections. With the escalation the Arab League was forced to halt its observer mission in Syria. The move proves that the mission and the mediation efforts have been unsuccessful in front of the regime complete violation of its commitments.
The PES calls members of the international community to take their responsibility to promote a fair and sustainable solution with a constructive approach. The United Nations Security Council has a unique role to play to exert additional pressure on Damascus.
PES President Sergei Stanishev stated: “In the past ten months President al-Assad has shown his unwillingness to solve the crisis. He did not respond to the legitimate demands of its own citizens for freedom, democracy and reforms. Now his time is over. The regime must recognise that the time for transition has now come. The UN Security Council should endorse now the Arab League proposal.”
For more information, please contact Brian Synnott, PES Media Adviser, +32 (0)474 98 96 75, brian.synnott@pes.org
