Syria
Syria's interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa delivering the opening speech of the Syrian National Dialogue Conference in Damascus on February 25, 2025. Photo: Rudaw
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ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Participants from across Syria gathered on Tuesday to commence the much-anticipated Syrian National Dialogue Conference despite lacking representation from the Kurdish-held northeast.
Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who commenced the conference, labeled Syria as “a school for coexistence that the whole world must learn from,” calling on the international community to help alleviate the country’s suffering.
“During the war for freedom, we strived to prevent bloodshed and we will continue to do so,” he said in a speech. “We warn all those who seek to threaten our security and unity and turn Syria’s calamities into investment opportunities.”
State media footage showed participants arriving to the conference hall to begin the conference, with the agenda showing that two workshops will be held.
Speaking at the conference, Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani reiterated that “Syria is one and will not be divided into parts.”
“We are awaiting the delegations that are coming from all provinces to begin the national dialogue day, a historic day in which the people will determine the fate of the new Syria,” Huda al-Atassi, a member of the conference’s preparatory committee, told state media.
But the conference has been condemned as exclusionary, particularly by the Kurdish political forces in northeast Syria (Rojava). On Monday, the Kurdish National Council (ENKS/KNC) criticized the conference as “rushed,” lamenting the “lack of balanced representation” as a “violation of the principle of national partnership.”
The Kurdish-led administration in Rojava has also condemned its exclusion.
Hassan al-Dugheim, spokesperson for the conference’s preparatory committee, told Rudaw on Thursday that Kurds would participate in the event in a personal capacity rather than as formal delegations. According to information provided by the committee, approximately 400 to 600 people are expected to attend.
The conference is regarded as a key step in Syria's political transition, following the December 8 offensive by opposition groups - led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) - which toppled the regime of Bashar al-Assad.
On January 29, HTS leader Sharaa was appointed as Syria’s interim president. He pledged to convene the National Dialogue Conference to pave the way for the formation of a new Syrian government.
Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who commenced the conference, labeled Syria as “a school for coexistence that the whole world must learn from,” calling on the international community to help alleviate the country’s suffering.
“During the war for freedom, we strived to prevent bloodshed and we will continue to do so,” he said in a speech. “We warn all those who seek to threaten our security and unity and turn Syria’s calamities into investment opportunities.”
State media footage showed participants arriving to the conference hall to begin the conference, with the agenda showing that two workshops will be held.
Participants gather as the second day of the Syrian National Dialogue Conference commences in Damascus.
— Rudaw English (@RudawEnglish) February 25, 2025
📸: SANA pic.twitter.com/lYqFreOig8
Speaking at the conference, Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani reiterated that “Syria is one and will not be divided into parts.”
“We are awaiting the delegations that are coming from all provinces to begin the national dialogue day, a historic day in which the people will determine the fate of the new Syria,” Huda al-Atassi, a member of the conference’s preparatory committee, told state media.
But the conference has been condemned as exclusionary, particularly by the Kurdish political forces in northeast Syria (Rojava). On Monday, the Kurdish National Council (ENKS/KNC) criticized the conference as “rushed,” lamenting the “lack of balanced representation” as a “violation of the principle of national partnership.”
The Kurdish-led administration in Rojava has also condemned its exclusion.
Hassan al-Dugheim, spokesperson for the conference’s preparatory committee, told Rudaw on Thursday that Kurds would participate in the event in a personal capacity rather than as formal delegations. According to information provided by the committee, approximately 400 to 600 people are expected to attend.
The conference is regarded as a key step in Syria's political transition, following the December 8 offensive by opposition groups - led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) - which toppled the regime of Bashar al-Assad.
On January 29, HTS leader Sharaa was appointed as Syria’s interim president. He pledged to convene the National Dialogue Conference to pave the way for the formation of a new Syrian government.
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