Syrian Kurds hold a former Syrian flag as they gather outside the UN office in the northern Iraqi Kurish city of Arbil on August 15. –AFP Photo

NICOSIA: More than 40 Syrian “revolution blocs” have forged a coalition to unite their efforts against the regime of Bashar al-Assad, according to a statement received Friday by AFP.

The so-called Syrian Revolution General Commission (SRGC) said the coalition was formed due to “the dire need to unite the field, media and political efforts” of the pro-democracy movement launched in mid-March.

Forty-four groups signed up to join the SRGC as part of “merging all visions of all revolutionaries from all coalitions and coordinators mutually focusing primarily on toppling the oppressive and abusive regime.”

The long-term aim of the coalition is also to build “a democratic and civil state of institutions that grants freedom, equality, dignity and respect of human rights to all citizens,” said the statement.

“We announce today the establishment of (the) 'Syrian Revolution General Commission', the result of merging all the signatory Syrian Revolution blocs both inside and outside Syria and those who are invited to join as well in order to have through this commission a representation of the revolutionaries all over our beloved Syria,” it said.

The group paid tribute to the “blood of the thousands of fallen heroes” and also praised “the sacrifices of tens of thousands of prisoners of opinion who were tortured, displaced and persecuted” by the Assad regime.

“We hereby renew our vow to all of them that we shall not betray the pact we sealed together not deviate from the path they walked through and sacrificed for,” said the English-language statement.

The coalition urged all groups involved in the pro-democracy movement to close ranks and join them “to achieve the goals of the revolution and bring out its voice to all corners of the world.”

Those who signed the statement include protests committees from across Syria, including flashpoint cities and towns, as well as The Syrian Revolution 2011 Facebook page, one of the drivers of the protests.

Opinion

Who bears the cost?

Who bears the cost?

This small window of low inflation should compel a rethink of how the authorities and employers understand the average household’s

Editorial

Internet restrictions
Updated 23 Dec, 2024

Internet restrictions

Notion that Pakistan enjoys unprecedented freedom of expression difficult to reconcile with the reality of restrictions.
Bangladesh reset
23 Dec, 2024

Bangladesh reset

THE vibes were positive during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent meeting with Bangladesh interim leader Dr...
Leaving home
23 Dec, 2024

Leaving home

FROM asylum seekers to economic migrants, the continuing exodus from Pakistan shows mass disillusionment with the...
Military convictions
Updated 22 Dec, 2024

Military convictions

Pakistan’s democracy, still finding its feet, cannot afford such compromises on core democratic values.
Need for talks
22 Dec, 2024

Need for talks

FOR a long time now, the country has been in the grip of relentless political uncertainty, featuring the...
Vulnerable vaccinators
22 Dec, 2024

Vulnerable vaccinators

THE campaign to eradicate polio from Pakistan cannot succeed unless the safety of vaccinators and security personnel...