ITALY: Syrian opposition groups meet in Rome to discuss Syria violence

Record ID: 276407

  • Title: ITALY: Syrian opposition groups meet in Rome to discuss Syria violence
  • Date: 26th July 2012
  • Summary: ROME, ITALY (JULY 26, 2012) (REUTERS) SYRIAN DISSIDENTS GATHERED FOR TALKS VARIOUS OF SYRIAN DISSIDENTS AND MEMBERS OF ROME-BASED CHARITY OF SANT'EDIGIO SEATED FOR TALKS JOURNALISTS GATHERED (SOUNDBITE) (English) NATIONAL COORDINATION BODY (NCB), ABDUL AZIZ AL-KHAYER, SAYING: "I believe the international community is capable of doing something important for the Syrians. N
  • Embargoed: 10th August 2012 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Topics: International Relations
  • Reuters ID: LVA9CFY4XFX9DDDJCKI5DMUVLRPG
  • Story Text: Members of Syrian opposition groups met at the Rome-based charity of Sant'Egidio on Thursday (July 26) to urge the international community to use peaceful means, rather than violence in Syria.
    The dissidents also signed a joint appeal, calling for a political solution that could end the growing violence in Syria.
    Abdul Aziz al-Khayer of the National Coordination Body (NCB) believed that the international community had enough influence to put pressure on the Syrian regime to apply a ceasefire. He also urged countries in the region not to supply weapons to those fighting the regime.
    "I believe the international community is capable of doing something important for the Syrians. Number one; to apply pressure on the regime in order to force them to apply a ceasefire. And then, to apply pressure as well, at the same time on some countries in the region. I mean specifically Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Qatar to stop supplying arms and weapons to those who are fighting in military means against the regime. This did not lead, until now, but to the increase of violence and more victims in the country," said Abdul Aziz al-Khayer of the National Coordination Body (NCB) as he addressed journalists and opposition groups in the conference.
    The dissident, who said he had just returned from Damascus, said locals there were suffering and risking their lives every day.
    "Yes, it's like a war field. You know. People are almost staying at their homes, they don't dare to go outside because there are shootings in too many places and those who are forced to go for their needs, to buy bread or food or something are really risking their lives. This is Damascus," Abdul Aziz al-Khayer added.
    Damascus and Syria's second biggest city, Aleppo, came under shell fire from government forces battling a growing insurgency against President Bashar al-Assad on Thursday, opposition activists in the area said. Residents in southern Damascus reported a shell landing in the southern areas of the capital every minute.
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