Daijiworld Media Network - Damascus

Damascus, Feb 25: Syria’s National Dialogue Conference officially commenced on Tuesday at the Presidential Palace in Damascus, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s transition following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s rule in December 2024.

Organized by a preparatory committee under the leadership of interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, the conference aims to shape Syria’s political future by addressing key issues such as drafting a new constitution, economic recovery, transitional justice, and institutional reform.

In his opening remarks, al-Sharaa emphasized the importance of national unity in rebuilding Syria, urging stakeholders to prioritize sovereignty and stability.

“Syria is indivisible; it is a single, unified entity,” he declared, stressing that monopolizing arms under state control is essential for national security. He also called for social harmony, highlighting Syria’s long history of coexistence as a model for the world.

The conference follows weeks of nationwide consultations that gathered input from around 4,000 Syrians, ensuring broad representation. Attendance estimates range between 400 and over 1,000 participants, though key groups remain absent.

Notably, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Assad loyalists were excluded unless they agreed to disarm and align with the new government. This decision has sparked criticism, with concerns about the conference’s inclusivity.

While some participants see the gathering as a historic opportunity for a fresh start, others remain skeptical.

“This is the day Syrians decide the fate of their new country,” said Huda al-Atassi, a member of the preparatory committee, as discussions got underway.

However, Dalia Dalati, a displaced resident of Aleppo, voiced doubts, fearing the conference might not adequately address Syria’s urgent economic and security challenges.

The conference is set to conclude later today, with non-binding recommendations that will guide Syria’s transitional leadership. The government has pledged to use these discussions to form a new governing framework by March 1.

Foreign powers, including the United States and the European Union, are closely monitoring the process. The lifting of international sanctions may depend on how inclusive and credible the transition proves to be.

While the conference marks a shift in Syria’s political landscape, the long-term success of the transition remains uncertain, as deep-rooted divisions and governance challenges continue to pose obstacles to national reconciliation.