Imad Tetryan: Armenians must be part of building new Syria

Following the fall of the Ba'ath regime in Syria on December 8, 2024, the issue of addressing the violations committed over previous years emerged under what is known as "transitional justice." However, after one year and seven months, a more pressing question has come to the forefront: What will be the place of Syria's various ethnic and religious communities in the new Syria, and how will their participation and rights be guaranteed in the coming phase?

In this context, ANHA Agency interviewed Imad Tetryan, Secretary-General of the Armenian Unity Party, about the new reality in Syria and the participation of Armenians in the country's new political system.

Interview

• How do you view the changes Syria has witnessed since December 8, 2024? What has changed for Armenians since then? Do you see this period as an opportunity or a source of concern?

With the fall of the Ba'ath regime on December 8, 2024, Syria underwent major changes that created a sense of uncertainty within society. We believe that if Syria is rebuilt on the principles of equality, freedom, and recognition of all its components, it will benefit all peoples, and everyone will obtain their rights. However, if some communities are excluded or denied recognition, it will open the door to new crises and risks.

As for the Armenian community, there has been no fundamental change. Nevertheless, the current conditions in the country do not provide us with a sense of security or reassurance. During the initial phase, when official delegations visited the region, Armenians were not represented in those meetings.

Recently, we requested a meeting with the Governor of al-Hasakah and his deputy, Ahmed al-Hallali. During the meeting, we presented the demands of the Armenian community and stressed that Armenians must be represented as a key component in Syria's political and administrative process.

The Governor and his deputy responded positively, emphasizing the important role of the Armenian community as a partner in building the new Syria.

However, we reaffirm that concerns will remain as long as all communities are not recognized on an equal footing throughout Syria. It is essential that all cities and regions be governed by the rule of law and that no one faces discrimination because of their identity. Without this, security and stability cannot be achieved.

• What is the relationship between the Armenian Unity Party and the new administration in Damascus? Are the demands of the Armenian community being heard?

Last week, we visited Damascus for the first time and held a series of official meetings during which we clearly conveyed all the demands of the Armenian community.

We emphasized that Syria belongs to all its components and that Armenians should have a place in the new political system, just like every other community.

We also stressed the need for Armenian representation in the government, state institutions, the armed forces, cultural and artistic sectors, language institutions, and government ministries.

For its part, the administration in Damascus said it would provide support within the framework of the law. Discussions and meetings are still ongoing, and we are scheduled to visit Damascus again in the coming period to discuss these issues in greater detail.

For us, it is important that the Armenian community continues its historic role in building the Syrian state through its contributions to the economy, trade, industry, and social life, while also playing the same role in building the new Syria. Achieving this goal requires practical steps, particularly in addressing administrative issues, official documentation, and legal procedures, so that the Armenian community can continue its activities freely throughout Syria.

• How do you assess the relationship between the Armenian community and the Kurds and other Syrian communities?

We Reject All Forms of Discrimination Among Peoples

The Armenian community enjoys brotherly relations with all peoples based on coexistence, mutual respect, and solidarity. We want Kurds, Arabs, Syriacs, and all other communities to enjoy their full rights, and we reject any form of discrimination between peoples.

Since the establishment of the Autonomous Administration, the situation of the Armenian community has improved significantly. For the first time, we have been able to establish and organize our institutions and carry out our activities officially—a right that the Armenian community was denied under the Ba'ath regime.

Over the past fifteen years, Kurdish and Arab forces have worked together to protect the Armenian community whenever the region came under attack, strengthening our ties with all communities.

Therefore, we hope that all the peoples of the new Syria will live together in a spirit of brotherhood, equality, and peaceful coexistence.

• How do you view the agreement signed between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Damascus? Do you believe it could become a step toward resolving the Syrian crisis?

The Agreement Is a Gateway to Positive Outcomes

The agreement between the Syrian Democratic Forces and Damascus is a positive development. If implemented in a national spirit that serves the interests of all Syrians, it could become an important step toward strengthening stability and security in the country.

Over the past years, the Syrian Democratic Forces have played a significant role in protecting Syria and all its communities. Therefore, the government in Damascus should view the SDF as a Syrian force rather than an adversary. The SDF not only fought ISIS but also confronted the Ba'ath regime at different stages.

The SDF includes Kurds, Arabs, Armenians, Syriacs, and many other communities, reflecting its inclusive character and representation of Syria's diverse society.

On the military level, integrating government forces with the SDF would be an important step toward strengthening Syria's defense capabilities, provided that it is based on a spirit of brotherhood rather than revenge or settling old scores.

We hope this agreement marks the beginning of building a new Syria that belongs to all Syrians.

• What prospects do Armenians have in the current political process? What political guarantees are you seeking in the new Syria?

We Want Armenians Represented in the New System

The Armenian Unity Party believes that the Armenian community must be present throughout every stage of the new Syrian political process. This is not merely a demand—it is a right.

We therefore call for fair Armenian representation in drafting the new constitution, in the new People's Assembly, and in all institutions that will be established during the coming period. We believe that every Syrian community should enjoy fair representation within the country's political system.

A democratic Syria cannot be built without the participation of all peoples and communities. The new state must be founded on the principles of equality, justice, and recognition of political and religious pluralism.

• What is the future of the Armenian community in Syria? What message does the Armenian Unity Party have for Syria's communities?

The Armenian community hopes to continue its activities officially throughout Syria. If the government approves, we intend to open our institutions officially in Damascus, Aleppo, and other cities as well.

Our goal is to eliminate all forms of discrimination among Syria's communities. Guaranteeing Armenian rights in the constitution would be an achievement that benefits all Syrian communities.

A democratic Syria is one in which all peoples and communities participate equally in building the country without discrimination. If any community is excluded from this process, it cannot be described as a genuine democracy.

We call on all parties—especially the Autonomous Administration and the government in Damascus—to protect the rights and presence of the Armenian community throughout the ongoing agreements and negotiations, so that Armenians can participate in building a safe, democratic, and multiethnic Syria.

ANHA