The Italian Government has confirmed its commitment to “respond to the humanitarian emergency and foster a political solution to the Syrian crisis”. The point was made by Foreign Minister Giulio Terzi at the close of a meeting at the Farnesina with the President of the Syrian National Council (SNC), Abdulbaset Sieda. Terzi added that the goal is “a new Syria that sees the light of day on democratic foundations”. Sieda responded that he wished “to thank Minister Terzi, the Government and the Italian people for the medical aid and help for students in such dark days” for his country.
Meeting in New York on 28 September
The Syrian crisis will be the focus of a meeting in New York on 28 September 2012 during the United Nations General Assembly. The meeting “will be open to all countries wishing to help find a solution to the crisis”, explained Terzi. He hoped that “China and Russia will also be present and take a constructive attitude to address the humanitarian question but also the political issues”.
The SNC President warned that the crisis is tumbling towards a “point of the utmost gravity” that could lead to a “catastrophic situation, with more extremism and damage to neighbouring countries too”. The need, therefore, was to work for a “UN resolution in favour of the Syrian people”.
Sieda gave an assurance that the Syria of the future will be “a civil, democratic and pluralist country and that the state will be neutral in matters of religious creed and ethnic groupings”. The government, he added, “will remain equidistant from all religions, while fully respecting the specificities of each and of citizenship”.
Christian communities and transformation process
Christians too will have a role in the transformation. Terzi explained that the Pope’s message in Lebanon to Christian communities “was interpreted in Syria as an element of confidence in the participation of Christian minorities in the transformation process”.
The Minister also reported that Sieda had reiterated the Syrian National Council’s commitment to extend bridges to all members of Syrian society. He had also explained the initiatives that have already resulted in agreements, and others still under discussion, with the Kurds, the Alawites, and the Christians. Today, therefore, said Terzi, “has confirmed my strong conviction that the road of inclusiveness is both perceived and supported by the SNC”.
“This”, continued the Foreign Minister, “is exactly the joint message conveyed by the EU High Representative, Catherine Ashton, the secretaries of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Arab League and the African Union yesterday [20 September 2012] in an appeal to respect minorities’ human rights in this transformation process”.
Lastly, Terzi announced that the Foreign Ministry will soon be launching a training course in public sector work for young Syrians.
