Orthodox Christian delegation visits Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhood

The delegation was led by His Eminence Metropolitan Ephrem Maalouli of Aleppo, Alexandretta, and Dependencies, accompanied by Reverend Father Youssef Jarayan and Deacon Ignatius Mansour. 

They were received by Amna Khadro, spokesperson for the Syrian Initiative, along with initiative members Rojian Hussein and Marai Al-Shibli.

 During the meeting, both parties exchanged views on the most suitable governance model to ensure rights and freedoms, agreeing on the importance of a democratic framework. They discussed the historical evolution of democracy, tracing its origins to ancient Greece and its reinterpretation through leader Ocalan’s intellectual and social principles.

 Amna Khadro emphasized that “Leader Ocalan’s project guarantees the rights of all communities without exclusion, serving as a call for peace and a democratic society capable of uniting diverse peoples while preserving their unique identities and safeguarding freedoms.”

 She highlighted the resilience of the two neighborhoods, which, rooted in leader Ocalan’s philosophy, successfully defended the area against attacks. Khadro called for unity around this vision to protect achievements and promote stability. Metropolitan Ephrem Maalouli underscored the importance of learning from history to avoid past mistakes, affirming the Church’s support for efforts to achieve democracy and peace.

Marai Al-Shibli critiqued the exclusionary policies of nationalist state models, which marginalize communities and fragment societies. Rojian Hussein, the member of the initiative, highlighted the role of women and youth in peacebuilding, noting that the leader’s philosophy has fundamentally transformed women’s status, making their freedom a cornerstone of societal progress. At the conclusion of the meeting, the Syrian Initiative presented the delegation with leader Ocalan’s written defenses to provide further insight into his intellectual framework.

The delegation then met with the co-chairs of the General Council of the two neighborhoods, engaging in discussions on the local Democratic Administration model, the April 1st Agreement, and the significance of decentralization as a solution to end conflict. The visit concluded with a tour of the martyrs’ shrine and the April 4th Park’s martyr photo museum in Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh, symbolizing respect for the sacrifices made and a commitment to peace and coexistence.

a.k

ANHA