Miniature -Group presented paper for Syria includes decentralization

NEWS DESK

RT published a leaking of the Declaration of Principles of the "Miniature Group for Syria", which is supposed to be delivered by the Group of Five to UN Special Envoy Stephan de Mistura Friday. They are as follows:

Declaration of Principles for the Miniature Group for Syria

The following Declaration of Principles is intended to serve as a set of guidelines for the members of the Miniature Group for Syria, summarizing a set of objectives for group members to follow collectively and individually, and must guide interactions between members of the Miniature Group and other relevant parties, The United Nations and others, and is not intended to be a public document.

Principles for resolving the Syrian conflict:

First, as a general set of policy objectives and as prerequisites for normal relations with the Syrian government, resulting from the political process in accordance with Security Council resolution 2254, the members of the Miniature Group seek a government of Syria that:

A- It is not a sponsor of terrorists and does not provide a safe environment for them.

B-Free from weapons of mass destruction and reliably end its WMD programs.

C- sever its relations with the Iranian regime and its military agents.

D– Doe not threaten its neighbors.

E- Create conditions for refugees in order to return in a safe, voluntary and dignified manner to their homes with the participation of the United Nations.

F-Prosecute and punish together, war criminals and perpetrators of crimes against humanity, or cooperate with the international community in doing so.

Second: the political process must be conducted under the auspices of the United Nations in the follow-up to resolution 2254, leading to constitutional reforms and elections under the auspices of the United Nations. The political process must produce accountability, transitional justice and real national reconciliation.

Thirdly: there will be no international assistance for reconstruction in areas under the control of the Syrian government, where there is no credible political process that will consistently lead to constitutional reform and elections under the auspices of the United Nations in order to satisfy potential donor countries.

Fourth: a constitutional committee under the auspices and control of the United Nations is the appropriate mechanism to discuss constitutional reform and elections and reach a political solution for Syria. The United Nations must form the constitutional committee as soon as possible.

Fifth: The Constitutional Committee is recognized as the exclusive jurisdiction of the United Nations. The Group encourages the United Nations to ensure the involvement of all the Syrian political forces required to activate and implement constitutional reform and elections under the supervision of the United Nations, particularly the Syrian Government and representatives of north-east Syria, the Syrian opposition, which wishes to commit itself to a solution consistent with the principles described here.

Sixth: the complete defeat of IS, and support for the stability of the liberated areas of the international coalition and its partners, are necessary elements of a political solution in Syria.

Seventh: Any effort to alleviate the humanitarian crisis, especially along the border with Jordan, Jolan and Turkey, in line with the above principles must be encouraged.

Eighth: The Miniature Group will take all necessary steps to deter the use of chemical weapons in Syria.

In addition, the following principles must guide the members of the Syrian Miniature Group in their relationship with the United Nations on constitutional reform and the conduct of elections under UN supervision. They must be considered recommendations of the United Nations Special Envoy in his role in monitoring the constitutional process.

Constitutional Reform:

1. The powers of the President must be modified to achieve greater balance between the authorities on the one hand and the guarantees of independence of the central and regional government institutions on the other.

2. The government must lead a prime minister with strong powers and a clear definition of powers between the prime minister and the president. The Prime Minister and the Government must be appointed in a manner that does not depend on the President's approval.

3. The judiciary must enjoy greater independence.

4. Civilian supervision of the security sector must be implemented after reform, with clearly defined terms of reference.

5. The powers must be clearly authorized and decentralized, including on a regional basis.

6. Restrictions on nomination for elections must be removed, in particular the empowerment of refugees, displaced persons and those who have been exiled from Syria to enter the electoral competition, including for the presidency.

Elections under UN supervision:

1. A transitional electoral framework that meets international standards allowing fair and transparent participation, including a balanced and professional electoral management body.

2. The United Nations must develop a complete and modern voter register according to agreed criteria that will enable all Syrians to participate in elections and referendums.

3. Strong UN oversight is required under a Security Council resolution to enable the United Nations to ensure full responsibility for free and fair elections in Syria through:

A -Establishment of an electoral administration body.

B - Good intentions and political support in the issuance of electoral legislation.

C- independently verify that transitional electoral legislation and regulatory framework meet the highest international standards.

D- role in the daily operations of the electoral administration and the electoral complaints institutions.

E- Role in the executive decision-making of the electoral administrative body and dealing with electoral complaints.

F- To approve the results of elections and votes during the transition if the elections meet the required standards.

A.H

ANHA