Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara asserted in a speech at the National Dialogue Conference that Syria will not accept division and emphasized the need for a state monopoly on weapons. He highlighted ongoing challenges while recognizing the revolution’s role in preserving the nation. The conference includes 600 participants and will address foundational governance issues, particularly constitutional reforms.
Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara declared on Tuesday during the opening of the National Dialogue Conference in Damascus that Syria unequivocally rejects division and insists that the monopoly of weaponry be maintained by the state. In a speech delivered to hundreds at the People’s Palace, he acknowledged that while the revolution prevented destruction, significant challenges still lie ahead.
Al-Shara emphasized that the restoration of Syria to its citizens after a period of turmoil is a vital accomplishment. He described the state’s control over arms as an obligation, underscoring the importance of civil peace for all Syrian citizens. Additionally, he cautioned that some entities, both domestic and international, are discontent with the Syrian people’s celebration of the revolution’s success, urging vigilance as the country works to rebuild.
He also noted that in the preceding two months, authorities have been actively pursuing those responsible for crimes against Syrians. Regarding the country’s future governance, al-Shara advised against adopting foreign political systems unsuitable for Syria’s specific context.
The National Dialogue Conference commenced with approximately 600 Syrian representatives and aims to forge recommendations for guiding the future. According to Al-Jazeera, the first session served as an introduction, while substantive discussions were slated to begin subsequently, with a focus on constitutional reforms following the recent regime change.
Participants will be organized into six committees, each dedicated to critical transitional issues, including the establishment of institutions, constitution drafting, transitional justice, civil liberties, and economic matters. Media access will be restricted during committee deliberations, with official communications released by the preparatory committee.
The conference aims to lay the groundwork for the forthcoming phase of Syrian governance. Over 30 preparatory meetings were held nationwide to ensure diverse representation among the Syrian populace, as emphasized by the conference’s spokesperson.
In summary, President Ahmad al-Shara reaffirmed Syria’s commitment to unity and state control over weapons during the National Dialogue Conference. The gathering, attended by various societal representatives, aims to strategize Syria’s governance and constitutional framework post-revolution. The conference’s focus on inclusive, structured dialogue underscores the importance of civil peace and collective rebuilding efforts for the Syrian state.
Original Source: www.jordannews.jo