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| Annan speaks to the press in Geneva. 22 June 2012 (Click on picture) |
"Non-Paper
Guide-lines
and Principles for a Syrian-led Transition
Any
political settlement must deliver to the people of Syria a transition
that:
-
Offers a perspective for the future that can be shared by all in
Syria;
-
Establishes clear steps according to a firm time-table towards the
realization of that perspective;
-
Can be implemented in a climate of safety for all, stability and
calm;
-
Is reached rapidly without further bloodshed and violence and is
credible.
1. Perspective for the Future
The
aspirations of the people of Syria have been clearly expressed by the
wide range of Syrians I have consulted. There is an overwhelming wish
for a state that:
-
Is genuinely democratic and pluralistic, giving space to established
and newly emerging political actors to compete fairly and equally in
elections. This also means that the commitment to multi-party
democracy must be lasting one, going beyond an initial round of
elections.
-
Complies with international standards on human rights, the
independence of the judiciary, accountability of those in government
and the rule of law. It is not enough just to enunciate such a
commitment. There must be mechanisms available to the people to
ensure that commitments are kept by those in authority.
-
Offers equal opportunities and chances for all. There is no room for
sectarianism . or discrimination on ethnic, religious, linguistic or
any other grounds.. Numerically smaller communities must be assured
that their rights will be respected.
2.
Clear Steps in the Transition
The
conflict in Syria will only end when all sides are assured that there
is a peaceful way towards a common future for all in Syria. It is
therefore essential that any settlement provides for clear and
irreversible steps in transition according to a fixed time frame. The
key steps in any transition include:
-
The establishment of a Transitional Government of National Unity
which can establish a neutral environment in which the transition can
take place. That means that the Government of National Unity would
exercise full executive powers. It could include members of the
present government and the opposition and other groups, but would
exclude from government those whose continued presence and
participation would undermine of the transition and jeopardize
stability and reconciliation.
-
It
is for the people to determine the future of the country. All groups
and segments of society in Syria must be enable to participate in a
National Dialogue process. That process must not only be inclusive,
it must also be meaningful, that is to say, its key outcomes must be
implemented.
-
On this basis, there can be a review of the constitutional order and
the legal system. The result of constitutional drafting would be
subject to popular approval.
-
Once the new constitutional order is established, it is necessary to
prepare for and conduct free and fair multi-party elections for the
new institutions and offices that have been established.
-
Women must be fully represented in all aspects of the transition.
3. Safety, stability and calm
Any
transition involves change. However it is essential to ensure that
the transition can be implemented in a way that assures the safety of
all in an atmosphere of stability and calm. This requires:
-
Consolidation of full calm and stability. All parties must cooperate
with the Transitional Government of National Unity in ensuring the
permanent cessation of violence. This includes completion of
withdrawals and addressing the issue of the disarming, demobilization
and reintegration of armed groups.
-
Effectivc steps to ensure that vulnerable groups are protected and
immediate action is taken to address humanitarian issues in areas of
need. It is also necessary to ensure that. the release of the
detained is completed rapidly.
-
Continuity of governmental institutions and qualified staff. The
public services must be preserved or restored. This includes the
military forces and security services. However, all governmental
institutions, including the. intelligence services, have to perform
according to human rights and professional standard and operate under
a top leadership that inspires public confidence, under the control
of the Transitional Government of National Unity.
-
Commitment to Accountability and National Reconciliation.
Accountability for acts committed during the present conflict must be
addressed. There also needs to be a comprehensive package for
transitional justice, including compensation of rehabilitation for
victims of the present conflict, steps towards national
reconciliation and forgiveness.
It
is for the people of Syria to come to a political agreement, but time
is running out. It is clear that:
-
The
sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Syria
must be respected.
-
The
conflict must be resolved through peaceful dialogue and negotiation
alone. Conditions conducive to a political settlement must now be put
in place.
-
There must be an end to bloodshed. All parties must re-commit
themselves credibly to the six-point plan. This must include a
cessation of armed violence in 'all its forms and immediate, credible
and visible actions to implement items 2-6 of the six-point plan.
-
All parties must now engage genuinely with the Joint Special Envoy.
The parties must be prepared to put forward effective interlocutors
to work expeditiously towards a Syrian-led settlement that meets the
legitimate aspirations of the people. The process must be fully
inclusive to ensure that the views of all segments of Syrian society
are heard in shaping the political settlement for the transition.
-
The organized international community, including the members of the
Action Group stands ready to offer significant support for the
implementation of an agreement reached by the parties. This may
include an international assistance presence under a United Nations
Mandate if requested. Significant funds will be available to support
reconstruction and rehabilitation."
Follow me on Twitter @NabilAbiSaab
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