Minister of Foreign Affairs Uri Rosenthal had talks on Thursday with members of the Syrian opposition in the Netherlands. The Dutch ambassador to Syria was also present. Mr Rosenthal talked about scope for helping the opposition, with technical support enabling internet access, documentation of atrocities in Syria, and expertise in the field of political transition. The Netherlands has already given €1 million to the World Food Programme for humanitarian assistance within Syria.
Mr Rosenthal stressed how vital it was for President Assad to step down and the opposition to unite. ‘The more united the opposition, the more effective it will be,’ he said. The various minorities in Syria need to be able to identify with the Syrian National Council. Of course, Syrian women must also be represented. Like the other countries among the Friends of the Syrian People, the Netherlands regards the Syrian National Council as a legitimate representative of the Syrian people who seek change. Mr Rosenthal also pointed out that he wants to raise the pressure on President Assad by tightening up and extending the sanctions. He underscored the importance of an orderly political transition.
Next week Mr Rosenthal will have talks with opposition representatives from Syria.