Damascus, SANA- Spokesperson for the Independent National Fact-Finding Committee and Investigation into the Events on the Syrian Coast, Yaser Farhan, said the committee listened to testimonies from hundreds of residents and witnesses in Lattakia, inspected nine sites, and recorded 95 statements in accordance with legal standards, despite the dangers of operating in the conflict zones due to the presence of armed remnants of the former ousted regime in the vicinity.
“In response to the requirements of the painful events that took place on the Syrian coast on the 6th, 7th and 8th of March and what followed, and based on the decision of the President of the Republic issued on the 9th of March, the committee began its work by organizing its internal regulations, distributing tasks to its members, and forming an administrative and technical team to assist it,” Farhan said in a press statement.
Al-Farhan added that the committee conducted ten visits to points where government forces were subjected to attacks and to sites of clashes in Jableh and Qardaha, such as the Naval College, the police station, the National Hospital, and a number of burial sites and places where unidentified dead bodies were deposited, it also listened to the testimonies of witnesses there and documented its observations and notes.
“The Independent National Committee met with the United Nations International Commission of Inquiry on Syria, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the team of the UN envoy for Syria, within the framework of strengthening international cooperation and benefiting from available expertise and information as the meetings with the relevant United Nations parties were very positive,” Farhan said.
He added that some committee members may have had initial impressions, but this does not amount to complete conviction, nor does it amount to a reasonable likelihood of identifying those involved.
“Therefore, it is too early to disclose the results, and the committee will disclose all the details in its final report when it reaches complete and confirmed convictions, supported by evidence, about the identity of those involved in the events,” Farhan said.
He added there is difficulty in completing the committee’s mission within 30 days, and it is possible that an extension of the deadline will be requested.
Mazen Eyon
