SDC: Political transition in Syria must ensure inclusive representation

The Presidential Body of the Syrian Democratic Council held an exceptional meeting, chaired by Co-Chair Layla Qahraman, to discuss the latest developments in Syria and their impact on the country’s future.

The meeting addressed the recent events in Damascus, with attendees stressing the importance of closely and cautiously monitoring these changes to ensure that the political transition process is constructive, inclusive, and serves the interests of all Syrians, avoiding exclusion and marginalization.

The participants noted that any change must align with the principles of UN Resolution 2254, warning that failure to do so could lead to highly negative consequences.

The meeting underscored the necessity of ensuring that political change in Damascus is comprehensive, involving all Syrian components, to prevent the reproduction of the same exclusionary policies that initially led to the Syrian conflict.

It was emphasized that any political transition must ensure real representation for all components, including Kurds, Arabs, Syriacs, Assyrians, Circassians, Armenians, and others, establishing a governance system that reflects Syria’s pluralism and guarantees equality for all.

One of the key topics discussed was the urgent need to address the injustices that Syrians have endured for decades, which have worsened over the years of war, including forced displacement, arbitrary arrests, and discrimination against certain groups.

The Syrian Democratic Council affirmed that the new Syria must be built on the foundations of transitional justice, ensuring that those responsible for crimes against the Syrian people are held accountable, while victims receive compensation and their rights are restored. This would prevent past mistakes from being repeated and pave the way for genuine national reconciliation.

The meeting also stressed that the return of displaced persons and refugees must be safe and dignified and that reconstruction efforts must be conducted fairly, without favoring one region over another. This approach would ensure that all Syrians feel like equal partners in rebuilding their country rather than being marginalized or excluded from the process.

The attendees agreed that Syria needs an inclusive national dialogue involving all political and social forces to establish a unified vision for the country’s future. They considered holding a comprehensive national conference as the best solution to ensure that Syria’s future is democratic, pluralistic, decentralized, and based on justice and equal citizenship.

Participants pointed out that any sustainable solution to the Syrian crisis must stem from the will of the Syrian people themselves rather than external dictates. They stressed that any political agreements or understandings must prioritize the interests of the Syrian people over those of regional or international actors.

Additionally, the meeting emphasized the need to put an end to hate speech and sectarian incitement, which have deepened divisions within Syrian society. The attendees warned that the continuation of such rhetoric threatens any chance for stability and obstructs the possibility of achieving lasting peace in Syria.

The Syrian Democratic Council reaffirmed that the political discourse in the coming phase must be constructive, focusing on uniting Syrians rather than fueling divisions. They emphasized that betting on sectarian and ethnic tensions is a losing strategy and that Syria’s future must be built on equal citizenship rather than power-sharing or factional dominance.

In conclusion, the Presidential Body of the Syrian Democratic Council reaffirmed its commitment to working towards a democratic and pluralistic Syria based on equality and justice. The Council stated that it would continue its efforts to promote intra-Syrian dialogue and collaborate with all active parties to build a new future founded on freedom, justice, pluralism, and human rights.

A-H

ANHA