The British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson assured the General Coordinator of the High Negotiations Committee (HNC) Dr Riad Hijab that Britain continues to support a political transition in Syria and recognises the need to end the suffering of the Syrians as soon as possible. He stressed that “For this political transition to be successful and viable, the departure of Assad must be guaranteed”. In a telephone call between Boris and Hijab, the former said that “Those who wrongly believe that there is no other alternative must realise that this is not true”.

The new British Foreign Secretary also stressed that the HNC plays an essential and central role in the political transition process through its participation in negotiations and its presentation of a comprehensive vision for post-Assad Syria. He also reaffirmed the UK’s position and its commitment to working with international partners and friends “In order to improve the humanitarian situation for the Syrians and push forward the political process to put an end to the tragedy that the Syrians have been experiencing for the last five years”.

A statement issued by the HNC said that Hijab presented the HNC’s work to the Foreign Secretary. He also assured him that the committee is dedicated to the political process and is keen on the continuation of the process for the completion of the political transition that ensures the transmission of Syria from a state taken hostage by Assad to a civilian state for all Syrians where justice prevails and the law governs the country. He added that the HNC is also dedicated to ensuring that all Syrians participate in building the new Syria without exclusion or marginalisation.