Syrians have agreed to form a committee to draft a constitution that enshrines justice, freedom, and equality for all. The landmark national dialogue conference, held at the presidential palace in Damascus, was attended by hundreds of Syrians who met to discuss a transitional justice system, building state institutions, personal freedoms, Syria’s future economic model, and the role of civil society.
The closing statement called for upholding freedom of expression as a value that Syrians have “paid for with their blood” and preserving peaceful coexistence between all components of Syrian society. The participants condemned an Israeli incursion and called for the lifting of Western sanctions imposed on the country.
Critics, however, questioned the lack of minority inclusion in the conference, citing concerns over how much their input would count in a political process heavily controlled by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). The summit was seen as a crucial step towards a transition process that will shape Syria’s new governing order.
The final declaration is expected to help shape a constitutional process intended to lay out the basic principles for Syria’s new governing order. Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry welcomed the conference, saying it hoped to bolster Syrian national unity. However, its organisers did not take up offers by the United Nations to help with the summit.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/national-dialogue-historic-opportunity-syria-interim-president-says-2025-02-25