People's ’ Council announces readiness to collaborate and engage in dialogue for Syrian constitution

The Democratic People's Council in the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria issued a statement to the public today. The statement was read in Arabic by the co-chair of the Democratic People's Council, Sihem Qaryo, and in Kurdish by the co-chair of the Environment Body in the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, Ibrahim Al-Asad. It was read in front of the administration building in Raqqa. The statement reads as follows:

"The rapid developments in Syria today, following the fall of the Assad Ba'athist regime, require Syrians to take practical and serious steps to pull their country from the grips of division and fragmentation and raise it to a stage of cohesion, progress, and national unity, which has become an urgent necessity to reunite and unify the ranks. This is after the Syrians endured nearly fourteen years of internal war that devastated everything and tore apart the social fabric, all due to the policies of the fallen Syrian regime, which were based on exclusion, marginalization, and a policy of buying time, which ultimately led to its downfall.

The Syrian revolution, which began in 2011, aimed primarily at achieving a democratic system that guarantees freedom and social justice for all Syrians, regardless of their national, religious, or sectarian identity, and achieves equality between men and women. To achieve this, Syrians made great sacrifices.

Today, we witness the victory of the revolution, which should be a victory for these principles, not a victory for one faction over another or the replacement of one exclusionary regime with another exclusionary power. Therefore, we in the Democratic People's Council of North and East Syria believe that there are constants that should not be overlooked during this sensitive transitional phase, which we see as follows:

First: Preserving Syrian sovereignty: This principle is currently being violated by Turkey and its mercenaries. The attack on the Tishrin Dam area and Turkey's continued occupation of Syrian territories contradict international laws and are a blatant violation of Syrians' rights. Therefore, the Damascus government should take responsibility, put an end to the occupation, and show a stance on the attacks against Syrian lands. The areas occupied by Turkey should be liberated, and the safe return of the displaced people of those areas should be ensured, as they are still exiled in their own country, living in tents in the open.

Second: The ongoing practices in other areas of Syria, including crimes and field executions, are causing significant concerns among Syrians. The continuation of this situation will lead to civil war and disastrous consequences for Syria’s future. Therefore, the restoration of security and the protection of citizens are the responsibilities of the Damascus government, and necessary measures should be taken as soon as possible.

Third: The upcoming National Dialogue Conference should reflect the will of all Syrians, and no component should be excluded. Achieving fair representation of political, social organizations, and ethnic, religious, and cultural components is essential in order to draft a comprehensive and inclusive social contract. This requires administrative representation, not individual representation. Therefore, the participation of political parties and people's councils is a fundamental basis for the success of this conference.

Fourth: Syrian women led the revolution, made immense sacrifices, fought to protect the homeland, became displaced, and suffered greatly during the past period. Women must participate equally and fairly alongside men in the National Dialogue Conference. Women today make up more than 50% of Syria’s population; therefore, women have the right to be represented by 50% in the National Dialogue Conference, the transitional government, and the future constitutional committee.

Fifth: Youth are the backbone of our nation, and they are the group that made the greatest sacrifices during the past years. They must have a decisive voice in Syria’s future. Therefore, the participation of youth movements and the fair representation of youth is essential to ensure the rights of youth in the future Syria.

Sixth: Based on this, we see it as necessary to form a preparatory committee for the National Dialogue Conference that represents all the aforementioned forces, so that the conference’s axes can be jointly prepared and a roadmap can be drawn. The conference should not be limited to a specific faction, monopolized by one side, or be based on a unilateral vision.

We in the Democratic People's Council of North and East Syria are ready to cooperate with all Syrian national parties and participate in dialogue and construction, given our experience during the past period. Despite the shortcomings and mistakes, the Autonomous Administration has led in all fields and has been a successful experience that reflects the situation of all Syrians and can form the nucleus of the new Syria.

Therefore, we announce to our people that to achieve stability, peace, freedom, justice, and democracy, we will take on the responsibilities entrusted to us and work to complete a democratic national constitution that guarantees the rights of all Syrians without discrimination.

Based on this, we call on all Syrian parties to cooperate, coordinate, and engage in dialogue, so that we can guide our country to safety and stability.

In the end, we must praise the bravery of the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Women's Protection Units, and honor their historic resistance and protection of Syrian lands against Turkish occupation and its mercenaries.

Long live free Syria

Long live the free Syrians

The Democratic People's Council

The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria". 

A-H

ANHA