The Syrian Democratic Council (MSD) issued a statement regarding the Damascus government's use of violence against civilians and the change in the demographic structure of Syria.

The statement reacted to the suppression of civilians by military force in Daraa and called on Russia to fulfil its mission as a guarantor.

The MSD said: “We are anxiously following the recent imposition of power in southern Syria. In particular, it was agreed with the city representatives until a few months ago that the embargo be lifted. This confused situation emerged 3 years after the agreement signed between the provinces of Daara and Quneytira with Russia as a guarantor. The insistence of the Damascus government on the military method stems from its failures in the past. It is obvious that the agreements made would not be as they wish. We do not see those meetings as an alternative to real political dialogues.”

Drawing attention to the different clashes, the MSD underlined the need to protect the people of Daraa and called on Russia to fulfil its guarantor mission and produce solutions for the civilians staying in the neighbourhoods.

‘The people of Daraa should not leave their lands’

The MSD continued: “We condemn the use of violence by the Damascus government against civilians in Daraa. The demographic structure of most of Syria is being changed by regional states. The people of Daraa should not leave their lands. They should reject these displacement policies. Changing the demographic structure of a place is a war crime.

International conditions have changed. We cannot see in Daraa what happened in 2011. The international community and the UN should put pressure on this issue and act urgently. Civil war must be prevented. Dialogue should be supported.”