From the conviction that the solution to the Syrian conflict can only be political, Spain has sought to offer forums for dialogue and has kept communication channels open between different moderate opposition movements in Syria. Specifically, Spain has supported the work of the Cordoba Group by facilitating a forum for dialogue to hold different meetings of Syrian minorities, principally in Spain, which have taken place over the last year and a half. Between 2014 and 2015, meetings have taken place of members of the Kurdish, Yazidi, Assyrian, Syriac, Druze, Turkmen and Alawite minorities.
After concluding the first phase of meetings, those responsible for the Cordoba Group have decided to present the results of the work carried out and launch their political project as a potential contribution to a political solution process in Syria at a press conference given on Thursday morning at Casa Árabe.
Previously, at the meeting with the State secretary, the members of the delegation thanked Spain for its support and efforts in facilitating forums for dialogue that promote drawing together the various sectors of Syrian society.
They also presented the results of the work carried out to date that are reflected in the adoption of certain statutes and some agreed political lines. These proposals include supporting the Geneva Communiqué from 2012 and a political transition necessarily headed up by Syrians that guarantee a democratic, inclusive and participative political system, of which the minorities are called to form a part thereof.
The State secretary expressed Spain's satisfaction at the work carried out by the Cordoba Group and underlined the importance of the moderate Syrian opposition movements taking steps by joining forces with greater unity such that this can facilitate a drive towards a process of political transition in Syria.
Similarly, he pointed to the opportunity of initiating the political project of the Cordoba Group at the precise moment at which the international community is stepping up diplomatic efforts to foster a political solution to the Syrian conflict.
Against this backdrop, the United Nations is called on to play a central role in the task of drawing together positions and stimulating dialogue and trust between the different players. The State secretary reiterated Spain's support for the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General in his efforts to bring the violence to an end and open up a path to a political solution in accordance with the Geneva Communiqué from 2012. He also recalled Spain's commitment on the United Nations Security Council, where we are penholders together with Jordan and New Zealand on humanitarian issues in Syria.
EFE