Background
Since the beginning of the Syrian Revolution, the opposition has worked to unite its efforts to create an all-inclusive representative body for the nation. Over the course of six months, the concept of a political umbrella organization, which encompasses the youth of the revolution, the nation's political forces, and national figures emerged. This organization would deliver the message
of the Syrian people in the field of international diplomacy, with the aim to overthrow the regime, its figureheads, and the pillars on which it stands in order to establish a democratic, multi-party, and civil state. The Concept
The idea of the SNC was inspired by previous initiatives and attempts at unifying opposition groups. It has become a pressing necessity to form a council that includes competent national figures to serve as a political umbrella for the Syrian revolution in the international arenas and support the just cause of the Syrian people, who yearn to be liberated from tyranny and create a civil democratic state. The Vision
The formation of a national body to represent the Syrian Revolution, embody its aspirations in toppling the regime, achieve democratic change, and build a modern civil state. Basic Principles
The SNC is committed to the achievement of its objectives within the following basic principles:
1- Working to overthrow the regime using all legal means.
2- Affirming national unity among all components of Syrian society (Arabs and Kurds, as well as ethnic, religious and sectarian groups) and rejecting all calls for ethnic strife.
3- Safeguarding the non-violent character of the Syrian Revolution.
4- Protecting national independence and sovereignty, and rejecting foreign intervention. The Goals
The SNC seeks to achieve the following goals:
1- To deliver the voice of the Syrian revolution and its demands to the international community.
2- To secure political support for the peaceful revolution.
3- To promote national unity during the transition phase.
4- To ensure there is no political vacuum.
5- To develop a roadmap for democratic change in Syria. Formation of SNC
A team of experts, technocrats, and some political figures worked during the previous period to formulate a new mechanism to establish a council that includes competent national figures while considering the diversity that reflects the Syrian reality within the following steps:
1- Mapping of Syrian political groups that support the revolution and preparing lists of national and effective figures for nomination
2- Determining the qualifications required for membership to the SNC depending on their duties
3- Setting standards for representing the Syrian people in the council that reflects the diverse nature of Syria socially, ideologically, and politically with reasonable ratios
4- Proposing the formation of the council based on the outlined specifications and criteria that achieve diversity
Structure of SNC
The initial proposed structure of the SNC is based on approving a horizontal structure with executive offices that carry specialized roles expected from the SNC. On Oct 3rd, 2011 a new configuration was announced for the membership of the SNC. SNC Offices
1- Foreign Relations Bureau
2- Policy and Planning Bureau
3- Media & PR Bureau
4- Logistical Support Bureau
5- Revolution Support Bureau
6- Legal Affairs and Human Rights Bureau
7- Finance & Fundraising Bureau
8- Relief and Development Bureau
SNC Membership
• The total seats for the SNC members are 231, shared by the different opposition groups
o 54 seats for Technocrats
o 67 seats for Grassroots Coordination Committees
o 20 seats for the Damascus Declaration
o 20 seats for the Muslim Brotherhood & relations
o 20 seats for Kurds (The National Block)
o 20 seats for Independents (Galioun)
o 20 seats left unassigned for other groups to join
• The SNC is headed by a Secretariat General composed of 29-33 seats, with representatives nominated from the various opposition groups as follows:
o 6-10 seats for Grassroots Coordinating Committees
o 5 seats for Technocrats
o 4 seats for the Damascus Declaration
o 5 seats for the Muslim Brotherhood
o 4 seats for the Kurds
o 4 seats for Independents
o 1 seat for Assyrians
• From the 29-33 members of the Secretariat General, a smaller, representative Presidential Committee made of 8 people will be elected and the presidency seat will be rotational within this committee every three months.
