High Representation/Vice-President Federica Mogherini meets with the Syrian opposition representatives to discuss the political

As a first follow up of the Brussels conference on the future of Syria and the region, the HRVP Federica Mogherini met today with the President of the Syrian Opposition Coalition (SOC) Mr Anas al-Abdah, the Prime Minister of the Syrian Interim Government (SIG) Mr Jawad About Hatab and the Head of the Assistance Coordination Unit Mr Mouhammad Hassno, and their delegation.

While the conflict has entered its seventh year and the military confrontation continues to create inhumane suffering to the population, as the horrific attack in Idlib has reminded the whole world, the European Union remains actively engaged in supporting Syrians inside and outside Syria, through the humanitarian and the political work. The Syria strategy endorsed by the Foreign Affairs Council on the 3 April and the outcome of the Brussels conference will be the framework for the further initiatives the European Union will take.

The European Union will continue to provide support to education and job creation, support for local civilian governance structures in opposition held areas, including by working with the Syrian Interim Government. Avoiding the collapse of local and state administrations is also indispensable to guarantee a future to a sovereign, independent, united and democratic Syria.

To this aim, Federica Mogherini and her interlocutors discussed the practical support the European Union can continue to give to the Syrian opposition to accelerate the UN mediated talks in Geneva for a political settlement that can bring about a genuine political transition, based on relevant UNSC Resolutions. While stepping up its engagement on the political track, the European Union will continue to improve the daily lives of all Syrians, and stands ready to contribute to the reconciliation and the reconstruction of the country once a political transition will be firmly underway.