El Araby: We Support the Syrian People's Choices

Doha, November 08 (QNA) - Arab League Secretary General Dr.Nabil El Arabi, has asserted the League's total commitment towards supporting the Syrian people's choices and free national will in deciding their political future, as well as towards maintaining the characteristics of the Syrian state, its sovereignty, independence, unity, and safety. ''Everybody is aware of the suffering and depression experienced by the Syrian people amid escalation by the regime'', El Arabi said in a speech at the Syria Opposition Groups Conference. Among the reasons for the suffering is the failure of Arab and international initiatives introduced over a year ago firstly on the level of the League, secondly on the level of the UN, and the UN-Arab League Joint Envoy's mission, the Arab League Secretary General posited, especially with the Security Council's failure to assume its main responsibilities in protecting civilians, he added. El Arabi reminded attendees of the Arab League's request since the Friends of Syria meeting in Istanbul over the importance of a Security Council decree, pointing out that the Council "unfortunately" did not act upon it. He held the Syrian regime responsible for the escalation of violence which has even extended to historical sites and heritage. The last period's experience indicates that international support is linked to the Syrian opposition's ability to unify its vision in dealing with the transitional phase and its ability to structure its build-up, Arab League Secretary General Nabil El Arabi said. He called on opposition parties to end personal, political, and sectarian differences and focus on the needs of the Syrian people, adding that all eyes are on the Conference for results. El Arabi expressed his belief in progress by building on agreed upon documents from the Syrian opposition Cairo Conference held under the patronage of the Arab League in Cairo last July, adding that it is necessary to benefit from ideas presented including the Syrian National Initiative which is on agenda, as well as recent discussions in Doha and restructuring the Syrian National Council. The Arab League Secretary General thanked the State of Qatar under the leadership of HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani in hosting this important Syrian Opposition Groups Conference. He also thanked HE the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jabor Al Thani, who is also Head of the Arab League Committee on Syria, on the appreciated efforts and patronage to ensure the best circumstances for the success of this Conference. (QNA)