The Syrian opposition rejected the Arab League peace plan for Syria on Thursday, saying it would not enter a dialog with the Damascus government if there was “no overthrow of the existing regime.”
The opposition leadership said: “The agreement of the Damascus regime with the Arab League initiative will not lead to an end of violence in the country.”
The plan includes an end to the use of force in the country. Damascus would be obliged to release political prisoners held during the conflict, and all military equipment would be removed from populated centers.
Damascus would also be obliged to allow elements of Arab League bodies into the country as well as world media, and guarantee them free passage. Syria formally adopted the plan on November 2.
The opposition cited the reported deaths of three demonstrators in the city of Homs following clashes with security forces on Thursday as a sign that the regime had no intention of giving up armed force.
Russia is ready to support efforts by the Arab League for a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Syria, Federation Council International Committee Chairman Mikhail Margelov said earlier on Thursday.
“It’s vital to support the Arab League proposal from the Arab states on regulation of the conflict and Russia is ready to do so,” he said.
Having accepted the plan, Syria led the international community to understand it would be ready for compromise and to take part in talks with the opposition, Margelov said.
“Syria’s decision to accept the Arab League plan gives hope for a change of the situation in the country to a final peace progress in talks,” Margelov added.
