Ilham Ahmed: Building new Syria requires recognition of all components

Ilham Ahmed, Co-chair of the Department of External Relations in the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, stressed that national dialogue and consensus are the only way out of the Syrian crisis, emphasizing the importance of reconciliation and a comprehensive political process supported by the international community.

Her remarks came during a speech she delivered at the "Shahba Political Forum" held today in Raqqa, where she underlined the urgent need among Syrians for “civil peace” and the necessity of activating practical mechanisms to achieve it. She warned that the continuation of chaos in the absence of reconciliation could have dire consequences. She expressed the Autonomous Administration’s full readiness to play its role in this process and called on the Syrian transitional government to assume its responsibilities in supporting efforts to rebuild the state.

She also stressed the need to launch a comprehensive political process with the participation of all Syrian parties under genuine international sponsorship, to achieve political justice and end the conflict.

Rejection of Previous Regimes:

Ilham Ahmed firmly rejected the re-establishment of the Ba'ath regime or a return to centralization and authoritarianism, stating that building a new Syria requires an end to marginalization and exclusion, and recognition of the identity of all components. She called for convening a comprehensive national conference that represents all spectrums of the Syrian people in order to reach constitutional and political agreements that guarantee a shared future.

She denied accusations that the Autonomous Administration seeks separation, explaining that the decentralized project aims to protect cultural diversity, empower society, and promote women's participation, noting that these achievements are non-negotiable.

Warnings Over a Stalled Transitional Phase:

Ilham Ahmed pointed out that the Committee for the Return of the Displaced has not held any meetings to date, despite promises made by the President of the transitional government, Ahmad al-Sharaa, which reflects a deadlock in implementing the March 10 Agreement.

She expressed concern that the continued stagnation could jeopardize the entire transitional phase and increase the risk of the country sliding into civil war unless the situation is addressed with serious political steps.

A-H 

ANHA