5th Syrian Forum kicks off with 120 Syrian figures participation

The Fifth Syrian Forum, organized by the Democratic Union Party (PYD), kicked off a short while ago under the slogan "Manifesto for Peace and Democratic Society: A Guarantee for Building a Modern Syria." The event took place at the party's headquarters in Hasaka city in Jazira canton.

The forum is attended by 120 political, human rights, and intellectual figures, as well as women's unions and activists from various communities in North and East Syria, as well as from within Syria, Aleppo, the Syrian coast, and Damascus, along with Arab tribal dignitaries.

The forum began with a moment of silence, followed by a speech delivered by the co-chair of the Democratic Union Party, Gharib Hesso, welcoming the attendees to the Fifth Syrian Forum

Gharib Hasso said, "In the name of the Manifesto for Peace and Democratic Society, we meet today in the Region of North and East Syria, with participation from various Syrian regions, in an open spirit and sincere will, to affirm together that dialogue is the best way to build a more just and democratic future."

He pointed out that they meet at a critical historic moment for Syria, showing the urgent need for all Syrians to join forces and unite their ranks to confront challenges and build a free and democratic homeland that accommodates all its people.

He emphasized the importance of the Peace and Democratic Society's initiative proposed by the leader Abdullah Ocalan as a realistic path out of the current crisis.

Hasso made clear that the attendees' participation in the forum is evidence of shared responsibility for our national issues, and an opportunity to exchange visions and ideas that will bridge gaps and promote values ​​of understanding and cooperation.

He noted that everyone must consolidate the peaceful and democratic dialogue, ensuring the participation of all national components in the upcoming transitional phase.

Gharib Hesso continued, "The Ba'athist regime has turned Syria into a prison and hell via policies of exclusion and marginalization, stripping it of its unifying national identity. After its fall, a replacement was hastily adopted without a clear vision, which further complicated the crisis, widened the circle of chaos, and reproduced policies of genocide and denial, in an attempt to impose a more violent and threatening centralized system. Thus, solutions were lost and challenges increased."

Hesso added, "The fundamental cause of these disasters is the absence of true democratic values, not only in Syria but across the entire region, which is witnessing ongoing political and military conflicts. The only way to save the homeland is by consolidating democratic values, based on political and legal recognition of all components, as this is the best path to achieving political, social, and economic security and stability."

Hesso affirmed their full commitment to the March 10 agreement concluded between the Commander-in-Chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces, Mazloum Abdi, and the president of the transitional phase in Syria, Ahmad al-Sharaa, considering it a strategic roadmap toward building a modern Syria based on decentralized democratic foundations that recognize the rights of all components without discrimination. He pointed out that it opens the way for real and effective participation in shaping the future of the country. He said, "This agreement constitutes a solid political foundation for moving from the reality of the crisis to the path of a solution and lasting peace."

The co-chair of the Democratic Union Party, Gharib Hesso, noted that the forum coincides with the twenty-second anniversary of the declaration of their party. He extended his congratulations to all their comrades and party members everywhere, as well as to their people from all components. On this occasion, he commemorated all their party's martyrs, all the martyrs of freedom who sacrificed their lives for dignity and justice.

He added, "The founding and declaration of our party came during the most difficult times our country has experienced, amid harsh circumstances and challenges. However, this historic step marked a significant turning point in our struggle. We have faced extremely difficult times, but our struggle and the steadfastness of our martyred comrades in prison were the best evidence of the authenticity of our party's history and the sincerity of its path."

He emphasized that throughout their party's history, they have organized four political and intellectual forums, which witnessed active participation and resulted in sound outcomes that charted the course for next phases and strengthened the party's role as a national democratic platform reflecting the aspirations of the people. He noted that they are confident that today's forum will produce important outcomes and proposals that will contribute to serving society and the homeland.

He concluded his speech by thanking all attendees for accepting their invitation, expressing his hope that this forum will be a constructive step toward peace, stability, and the building of a democratic, decentralized Syria.

The forum includes two axes, each comprising two sessions. The first will address "The General Political Situation and Potential Agendas and Projects in the Middle East," while the second will address "Syria after the Fall of the Ba'ath Regime - The Current Situation and Challenges."

The third session will discuss the importance of the leader Abdullah Ocalan's "Peace and Democratic Society Initiative", and the fourth will be titled "The Stage of Peace and Democratic Society and Prospects for a Syrian Solution."

J.J