Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara announced today, Tuesday, at the opening of the National Dialogue Conference in Damascus that Syria does not accept division, stressing that the monopoly of weapons must remain in the hands of the state.
اضافة اعلان
In a speech delivered before hundreds of participants at the National Dialogue Conference at the People's Palace in Damascus, al-Shara said that the revolution saved Syria from destruction, but challenges remain significant.
He added, "Syria today has returned to its people after being stolen away in a moment of carelessness."
The Syrian president also stated that the unity of weapons and their monopoly in the hands of the state is not a luxury, but a duty and an obligation, emphasizing that civil peace is a duty for all citizens of the country.
Al-Shara pointed out that there are parties both inside and outside the country who were upset by the Syrians' joy over the revolution's victory, and he called for caution, stressing the necessity of considering that Syria is in the process of rebuilding the state after all the destruction and damage it has suffered.
He also said that authorities had been working in the past two months to pursue those responsible for crimes against Syrians.
Regarding the future form of governance in Syria, al-Shara stated, "We should not import systems that do not suit the country’s condition, nor should we turn societies into laboratories to implement political dreams."
Conference Priorities
The National Dialogue Conference opened with the participation of about 600 Syrian figures and is expected to adopt recommendations regarding the foundations of the upcoming phase.
Al-Jazeera correspondent Omar Al-Haj reported that today’s session marks the actual start of the conference, as yesterday's session was introductory.
Al-Haj added that the constitution will be a top priority in the National Dialogue Conference, which is being held three months after the removal of the ousted President Bashar al-Assad's regime.
He also reported that 600 invitations were sent to individuals from various backgrounds and fields, including dignitaries, constitutional experts, researchers, and representatives from civil society institutions.
He noted that all components of the Syrian people are represented in this national gathering, including representatives from the Raqqa and Hasakah governorates.
According to the preparatory committee, the conference attendance rate reached 97%, with 570 people participating out of the invited attendees, while only 30 people excused themselves from attending.
Discussion Topics
Al-Jazeera's correspondent reported that participants will be divided into six committees, each specializing in one of the transitional phase files, including building institutions, drafting the constitution, transitional justice, public freedoms, and the economy.
He added that the work of the committees will be closed to the media, and statements will be officially issued by the National Dialogue Conference's preparatory committee.
At the end of the conference, the final statement, which includes recommendations to be submitted to the Presidency, will be announced.
The head of the conference’s preparatory committee said yesterday, Monday, that the purpose of holding the conference is to establish the foundations for the upcoming phase.
The spokesperson for the preparatory committee emphasized that more than 30 meetings were held across all governorates to ensure the representation of different segments of Syrian society.
(Al-Jazeera)
