The national dialogue conference in Syria is poised to begin on Monday, focusing on the political future post-Assad. Key issues to be discussed include transitional justice, constitution reform, and economic strategies. The conference aims to provide nonbinding recommendations to new leaders. Notably, the Syrian Democratic Forces are absent from participation, highlighting potential divisions within Syrian politics.
A pivotal national dialogue conference in Syria is set to commence on Monday, aiming to define the country’s political trajectory following the ousting of former President Bashar Assad. The principal sessions are scheduled for Tuesday, during which attendees will engage in workshops covering critical topics including transitional justice, constitutional structure, institutional reform, individual freedoms, civil society roles, and economic strategies.
The conclusions drawn from this national dialogue will consist of nonbinding recommendations for the new leadership. The conference, which had been anticipated by Syria’s new authorities post-Assad, faced uncertainties regarding its date and participant numbers up until the announcement made on Sunday, just a day before the event.
Hassan al-Daghim, the spokesperson for the organizing committee, indicated two days prior that the planning was fluid, with details such as the number of attendees remaining undecided, potentially ranging from 400 to 1,000 participants. On the eve of the start, the final count and selection process for invitees remained unclear.
The organizing committee revealed it had conducted over 30 meetings across Syrian provinces, with approximately 4,000 individuals contributing their perspectives to ensure a diverse representation of Syrian society, as reported by the state-run news agency, SANA. Participants have consistently advocated for a temporary constitutional declaration, an economic framework, the restructuring of governmental sectors, citizen involvement in institutional management, and enhancements to security and stability.
Following Assad’s removal, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the primary former rebel group controlling much of Syria, established an interim administration primarily comprised of members from its ‘salvation government,’ which governed northwestern Syria. HTS announced intentions for forming a new government through an inclusive process by March, and subsequently appointed Ahmad al-Sharaa as Syria’s interim president during a meeting with various former rebel factions.
These groups agreed to abolish the existing constitution, national army, security services, and official political parties. Moreover, the armed factions chose to disband and incorporate their members into a new national military and security apparatus. Notably, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, influential in northeastern Syria, were absent from the dialogue and were not extended an invitation to participate.
The national dialogue conference in Syria is a significant step towards establishing a new political framework following the end of Assad’s presidency. With discussions slated on vital issues such as governance and economic strategies, the outcome will be crucial in shaping the country’s future. The absence of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces underscores ongoing tensions in the region, raising questions about inclusivity in the dialogue process.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
