SDC condemns violence in Sweida and calls for comprehensive national dialogue

The Syrian Democratic Council issued a statement today regarding the developments in the city of Sweida and the threats looming over Syria's future. The statement read:

"The Syrian Democratic Council is following with deep concern the dangerous security developments, armed clashes, and acts of violence targeting civilians in Sweida Governorate. This comes amid an unprecedented escalation that threatens to plunge the country into deeper crises and portends an internal explosion of a sectarian or regional nature, given the ongoing political deadlock and the absence of a unified national state.

What is happening in Sweida today is not an isolated incident. Rather, it is a direct manifestation of the general collapse that is striking the country's political and institutional structure. This is the result of decades of exclusion, tyranny, and marginalization of national components, as well as the failure of the central authorities to fulfill their responsibilities to manage diversity and ensure civil peace.

The Syrian Democratic Council affirms that these dangerous developments directly threaten the principle of the unity and territorial integrity of Syria and undermine the very essence of international humanitarian law and the rights of Syrian citizens to security and a dignified life. They also underscore the fragility of the current situation and the urgent need to seek sustainable political solutions that end the causes of the conflict and prevent the recurrence of security incidents in other parts of the country.

Accordingly, and in fulfillment of our national and moral responsibility, the Syrian Democratic Council affirms the following:

First:

We condemn all forms of violence, armed clashes, and security chaos that threaten civil peace in Sweida and other Syrian regions. We stress the need for an immediate cessation of all hostile actions, regardless of their source, and for an independent and transparent investigation into the ongoing events, ensuring that those responsible for violations are held accountable without discrimination.

Second:

Our urgent call for the launch of a comprehensive national dialogue, culminating in an inclusive national conference, with the participation of all democratic national forces. This conference aims to formulate a new Syrian political project based on transitional justice, an end to tyranny, and the adoption of a decentralized, pluralistic democratic system that guarantees the effective participation of all components of the Syrian people without exception.

Third:

We warn against the dangers of slipping into internal conflicts of a sectarian, regional, or civil nature, given the existential threats they pose to the Syrian state and its diverse society, and the disastrous repercussions they pose to the future of coexistence and societal peace

Fourth:

Demanding an end to all forms of hate speech and media and political incitement, given its dangerous role in inciting strife and fueling divisions, and its direct threat to civil peace and coexistence. We affirm that building national trust begins with responsible speech and the platform, and respecting diversity and difference, far from incitement or accusations of treason.

Fifth:

Holding all political and military parties, locally, regionally, and internationally, accountable for their legal, political, and moral responsibilities regarding the ongoing situation. We call for respect for the rules of international law and refraining from any roles or interventions that contribute to fueling the conflict or exploiting it for narrow agendas.

Sixth:

Our firm affirmation that any political solution in Syria must be purely Syrian and inclusive, based on dialogue, consensus, and mutual recognition, not on violence, exclusion, or reliance on foreign influence. It must ensure the building of a democratic, civil state founded on the principle of equal citizenship, the rule of law, and respect for national, cultural, and religious diversity.

In conclusion:

At this critical moment, we renew our call to all national forces to assume their responsibilities in rebuilding trust and civil peace. We call for the voice of reason, an end to incitement and division, and joint action toward a comprehensive, democratic national project that will lift Syria out of the tunnel of war and collapse and open a new horizon of freedom, justice, and stability for its people.

Sh-S

ANHA