Syrian Democratic Council reviews its political and organizational path

The Syrian Democratic Council (SDC) held an expanded meeting, attended by all 107 members of the General Council, including representatives of political parties, social activists, women's and civil society organizations, and independent national figures. The meeting was held to review and discuss the SDC's policies and documents, including the internal regulations, the political document, and the roadmap, in response to the current developments in the country and to define the future phase in light of the rapid regional and international transformations.

According to the SDC's internal regulations, the General Council is "the highest policy-making and decision-making body between two conferences, and is composed of representatives of political, societal, cultural, and civil society forces, independent figures, and representatives of the autonomous administrations in Syria."

The meeting came at a time when the Syrian arena is witnessing rapid changes in the balance of power, amidst an increasing regional and international struggle for influence within the country, and the disregard for Syrians' aspirations to build a modern state.

In explaining the political situation, the participants focused on the situation in Syria, emphasizing that the country is going through a critical phase that requires responsible political visions that transcend traditional alignments and place the interests of Syrians above all else.

They also believed that the transitional government's failure to meet political, constitutional, and security requirements has posed significant challenges to the country, requiring comprehensive national alternatives.

The necessity of building a democratic, pluralistic, and decentralized Syria that guarantees justice and equal citizenship and accommodates the country's ethnic, religious, and cultural diversity was emphasized.

They stressed the importance of consolidating internal stability, rebuilding popular confidence, and continuing the Syrian-Syrian dialogue. They also emphasized supporting the fight against ISIS mercenaries and al-Qaeda remnants in all its forms, and benefiting from the experiences of local administration, most notably the autonomous administration in northern and eastern Syria.

The participants emphasized the need to formulate a comprehensive social contract that paves the way for the development of a democratic constitution that represents all Syrians, with an emphasis on the inclusion of women and youth in the political process as part of the desired democratic transition.

They also emphasized working to build a democratic national front independent of foreign axes and interventions, and adopting balanced foreign policies that ensure regional and international openness without compromising national sovereignty.

In a review of the Council's main documents, first and foremost the "Bylaws of Procedure," the number of co-presidential deputies was reduced to two from five.

A "Political Bureau" was established, led by the Council's co-presidency. It consists of a minimum of 15 female and male members, determined by the Council's Presidency. Political party representation within the Bureau shall not be less than 40 percent, in accordance with the changes to the bylaws.

A "Tribes and Clans" Office was also established within the organizational structure. This Office is responsible for communicating with traditional social powers and strengthening the role of clans in the processes of national reconciliation and social integration, while maintaining the remaining bylaws.

Regarding the political document, proposals were made to replace the names and some terms to better align with the current phase, in line with developments and changes in Syria. It should be noted that the political document was issued by the Council in 2023 and reflects the SDC's position on the Ba'athist regime. Therefore, it requires a comprehensive review to align with the SDC's current position on the transitional government

Proposals were also made to replace the designations and descriptions related to the SDC's positions within the roadmap prepared in 2023, to align them with the SDC's position on the transitional government, the transitional phase it deems most appropriate, and the form of governance in the country and how to achieve this.

The SDC's political document and roadmap will be amended by the Preparatory Committee over the coming period, based on the proposals received.

The expanded meeting concluded with a statement from the Syrian Democratic Council, which emphasized the necessity for the solution in Syria to stem from free national will and be free from foreign interference. The statement expressed its commitment to UN Resolution 2254 and the importance of building a democratic, decentralized state that guarantees justice and equal citizenship, and safeguards the rights of Syria's ethnic and cultural components.

The Council emphasized its rejection of a return to tyranny or centralized rule, and called for a comprehensive national dialogue that includes all components without exclusion, and for rights violators to be held accountable through fair trials.

And also called for the formation of independent transitional institutions to oversee the constitution and elections, and for all parties to reject hate speech and build a democratic, pluralistic state.

Also highlighted the role of the Democratic Autonomous Administration and the Syrian Democratic Forces in maintaining stability and confronting ISIS mercenaries and their cells, emphasizing that the transitional phase requires effective partnership and transparent institutions that ensure the representation of all.

Sh-S

ANHA