Yasser Suleiman: Social Contract is national solution

Amid the current political landscape and the pressing need for a comprehensive national project to rebuild Syria on democratic and pluralistic foundations, growing criticism is being directed toward the so-called “constitutional declaration” issued by the authorities in Damascus. Many argue that it fails to reflect the aspirations of the Syrian people and does not meet their urgent needs for a homeland that accommodates all communities and their legitimate demands.

In contrast, the Social Contract issued by the Democratic Peoples' Council on December 12, 2023, stands out as a comprehensive national constitutional proposal. It embodies a clear demand for Syria’s future and is built upon a unique practical experience grounded in dialogue, consensus, and broad societal participation.

Al-Suleiman stated that the Social Contract of North and East Syria represents “a practical and real experience that we undertook in its formulation. We came together as Syrians, disagreed, debated intensely, but ultimately reached consensus through dialogue and voting. This contract is a genuine reflection of the will of the peoples of North and East Syria. It was crafted to serve not merely as a local charter, but as a potential cornerstone for an inclusive and just national Syrian constitution.”

Al-Suleiman underlined that the contract affirms the unity and territorial integrity of Syria and calls for their protection by all available means. Article 133 stipulates the possibility of future amendments in alignment with a comprehensive national Syrian framework agreed upon by all Syrians. “This,” he noted, “does not close doors, but rather opens a new chapter toward inclusive national consensus.”

He also highlighted that the Autonomous Administration did not limit itself to drafting the contract but launched national initiatives both domestically and internationally. These initiatives engaged honorable segments of the Syrian opposition, human rights organizations, the United Nations, and the Arab League, calling for support for an inclusive Syrian national dialogue in which all groups participate without exclusion.

 Furthermore, al-Suleiman expressed clear reservations regarding the recent dialogue sessions organized by the Damascus authorities, noting the absence of many national components, particularly from North and East Syria and other regions. He remarked that “these dialogues lack national legitimacy if they are not inclusive.”

Regarding the “constitutional declaration” announced by the Damascus authorities, Suleiman stressed that it “does not represent the aspirations of Syrians nor fulfills their desire for unity and coexistence.” He added: “It is a temporary framework incapable of rebuilding or reconstructing Syria. What we need is genuine dialogue—one where we can disagree, argue, and ultimately reach consensus to formulate a constitution that excludes no one and reflects Syria’s true identity.”

Al- Suleiman called for a nationally inclusive dialogue with regional and international guarantees, proposing that such a dialogue could be held in North and East Syria, “a land that belongs to all Syrians, just as every part of Syria is our shared homeland.”

He reiterated: “We view all Syrians as profoundly patriotic individuals who cannot and must not be excluded or marginalized. The newly formed interim government must take this issue seriously.

A Serious Proposal for Syria’s Future

In this context, the Social Contract of the Autonomous Administration remains a serious and credible proposal for building Syria’s future—one grounded in partnership, plurality, and justice—in contrast to temporary frameworks that neither address the core aspirations of the Syrian people nor resolve their fundamental crises.

a.k

ANHA