"Syria needs decentralized, participatory, national democratic system"

On Thursday, the Advisory Board to Support the Negotiation Committee in North and East Syria held an expanded meeting with representatives from Raqqa and Tabqa cantons to discuss the latest political developments and the March 10th Agreement at the Tabqa Cultural Center.

Delegations from political parties, military forces, members of the Negotiation Committee, and the Co-Presidency of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, along with clans' sheikhs and dignitaries, religious figures, and a wide range of political, civil, and women's organizations participated in the meeting.

The meeting began with holding a minute of silence, followed by speeches from participants who emphasized that Syria today needs a decentralized, participatory, national democratic system based on a national constitution that guarantees the rights of all Syrians without discrimination based on ethnicity, religion, political affiliation, or sect. This system must enshrine the principle of equal citizenship, ensure that everyone is subject to the rule of law, and safeguard territorial integrity and national dignity.

Abdel Hamid al-Muhbash, the member of the Negotiating Committee for the North and East Syria Region, explained in a speech that Syria is currently passing through a crucial and pivotal stage in its history which is the era following the former regime. This stage is no less dangerous or important than what preceded it, as it will determine the shape of the next Syrian state, the nature of the relationship between its citizens and the state, and the foundations upon which the homeland's future will be built.

He added that the time has come for political differences in Syria to be managed through dialogue, not through escalation, and for reason and national responsibility to prevail over weapons or the language of incitement and threats. He emphasized that Syrians, after all the heavy price they have paid during the years of the Syrian revolution, deserve a just future and a free and dignified homeland, free from challenges, that guarantees their freedom, dignity, and the future of their children.

Al-Muhbash stressed that the form of government in the new Syria, its governance, and its administration must be determined by a purely national decision, with the participation of all Syrians without exclusion or marginalization of any party, calling on Syria's leaders to prioritize the interests of the Syrian people above all else and to prevent the country from being transformed once again into an arena for conflicts or settling scores that only serve the enemies of stability and Syrian unity.

The member of the Negotiating Committee unequivocally condemned hate speech and incitement emanating from any Syrian party without exception or selectivity. He asserted that hatred does not build a state, incitement does not create a future, and that confronting this discourse is a collective responsibility that includes political forces, official institutions, media platforms, civil society groups, and religious institutions.

He also called for holding accountable all individuals, media outlets, and religious or political discourse that promote division and hatred, incite discord among Syrians, or justifies violence and accusations of treason. He emphasized the pivotal role of religious institutions in consolidating the values of tolerance, rejecting sedition, and strengthening civil and social peace in Syria.

Syria needs a decentralized, participatory, national democratic system

Al-Muhbash emphasized their categorical rejection of any internal wars in Syria or any military escalation among Syrians. He mentioned that internal fighting poses a direct threat to the country's unity and undermines any real opportunity for stability and state-building. He stressed that Syria is one, united, and indivisible, and that its national sovereignty must be preserved throughout its entire territory without exception, as the unity of the land and the people is a non-negotiable national principle.

He reiterated support for the March 10th Agreement, calling on the guarantor states, the foremost of which are the United States and France, as well as regional and Arab states, particularly Saudi Arabia, to assist the Syrian parties with complete impartiality to achieve genuine national reconciliation in Syria and among Syrians.

He affirmed that the Dialogue and Negotiation Committee is exerting every possible effort to produce a comprehensive national solution that achieves the country's stability and unity, and prevents its division. He emphasized that Syria today needs a decentralized, participatory, national democratic system based on a just constitution that safeguards rights and preserves national dignity.

Women's role today is a leading and essential part of decision-making and peace-building

For her part, Khod al-Ali; the spokesperson for the Zenobia Women's Gathering, stated that any genuine political process in Syria cannot succeed without acknowledging the pivotal role of women and appreciating the immense sacrifices they have made in defense of the land and its people. She recalled the heroic role of the Women's Protection Units (YPJ) and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), who were and remain the hope of the people for a life of safety and peace, and a bulwark against terrorism and chaos.

She also highlighted the sacrifices made by the martyrs, who played a major role in building and protecting civil institutions, consolidating political and organizational work, and building democratic forces. She emphasized that they were not merely victims, but pioneers who, with their blood, charted the course for a national project striving for freedom, justice, and equality.

She affirmed that the Zenobia Women's Gathering is following in their footsteps until a pluralistic and decentralized Syria that includes all Syrians is achieved, believing in the diversity of cultures, religions, and beliefs, and guaranteeing fair representation for all its components.

They affirmed their continued commitment, alongside the Syrian Democratic Forces, to defending the gains achieved through the sacrifices of the martyrs, emphasizing that they will not allow any entity or ideology to impose its will or usurp their free decision-making power, and that they alone have the right to determine their own destiny through the free will of their people.

They also affirmed that women today play a leading and fundamental role in decision-making, peace-building, and the reconstruction of society, and that the women who persevered, struggled, and sacrificed are capable of being true partners in shaping the future of Syria.

In a clear message, the spokesperson for the Zenobia Women's Gathering addressed the Turkish state and the Syrian Transitional Government, affirming their support for the Syrian Democratic Forces, their leadership, and the Women's Protection Units (YPJ). She stated, "Advance, we support you, not just behind you, but a steadfast support on the front lines."

She concluded, "If they desire peace and dialogue, we are people of peace and dialogue, and we are ready to participate in drafting a new Syrian constitution that reflects the will of the people and enshrines pluralism, decentralization, and justice. If war is imposed, we have the legitimate right to defend our land, our administration, our gains, and the sacrifices of our martyrs. We will not allow any party to impose guardianship or usurp our free will."

For his part, Sheikh Mohamed Nour al-Dheeb, the spokesperson for the Advisory Committee of the Negotiating Committee of North and East Syria, stated, "The Advisory Committee is comprised of national figures representing various segments of the population of Raqqa and Tabqa. It includes tribal sheikhs and dignitaries, religious figures, intellectuals, politicians, and human rights activists, along with the active participation of youth and women, and its purpose is to provide sincere national opinions, advice, and proposals to the negotiating delegation, and to convey the aspirations of the region's people within a comprehensive Syrian vision that avoids exclusion and division."

Al-Dheeb explained that the Committee's role is advisory and supportive, stemming from the belief that dialogue is the best way to resolve disputes, and that any just political settlement must be based on respect for the dignity of the Syrian citizen, guaranteeing their rights, achieving justice and equality, and preserving national sovereignty and the unity of Syrian decision-making.

Mohamed Nour al-Dheeb affirmed, "Our support for the negotiating delegation stems from our confidence in its ability to represent the interests of the people of the region within a comprehensive national framework that takes into account the specificities of Raqqa and Tabqa, and prioritizes reconstruction, the return of displaced persons, the strengthening of civil peace, and the building of state institutions based on the rule of law and citizenship."

Al-Dheeb pointed out, "Regarding the role of the tribes in this Syrian crisis, which has lasted for 14 years, and the attempts by various parties to drag the tribes into armed conflicts and use them to fight against the components of the Syrian people, we emphasize that the role of tribal sheikhs, dignitaries, and religious figures is to preserve the fabric of Syrian society and reject the shedding of Syrian blood."

The spokesperson for the Advisory Committee of the Negotiating Committee in the North and East Syria Region confirmed the Advisory Body's renewal, for the people of Raqqa and Tabqa, its commitment to responsible national work, stressing that it will remain a source of consultation for every sincere national effort that seeks to preserve a unified, safe, and free Syria, where all its citizens are equal in rights and duties.

J.J

ANHA