On Thursday, 20th of May, the Syrian British Council (SBC) participated in a high level meeting with the Friends of Syria All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) from the UK’s House of Commons and House of Lords. The meeting was attended by eight parliamentarians; Alison McGovern MP (Labour), Lord Dubs (Labour), Afzal Khan MP (Labour), Andrew Mitchell MP (Conservative), Jeff Smith MP (Labour), Wayne David MP (Labour), Lord Walney (Independent) and Brendan O'Hara MP (SNP).
During the meeting, SBC representatives Douna H Ahmed, Mazen Gharibah and Ibrahim Olabi briefed the APPG on several pressing political and humanitarian issues related to Syria, including the illegitimate and fraudulent presidential elections, the future of UK’s humanitarian assistance towards Syria, the issues of detainees and the UN-backed political process.
The SBC also asked the UK government, parliament and policymakers to spare no efforts in condemning Syria’s elections and refusing to acknowledge its results; supporting the renewal of the UN’s mandate for cross-border humanitarian operations; fully engaging in the UN-backed Syrian-led political and constitutional process; playing an active role in the immediate and unconditional release of detainees; and supporting the Syrian and international efforts for justice and accountability in order to put an end to the ongoing human rights violations and bring war criminals, including Asmaa al-Assad – a British citizen, to justice.
The Syrian British Council is committed to continuing its active engagement with the Friends of Syria All-Party Parliamentary Group in a way that reflects the aspirations of Syrians for a free and democratic Syria.
