National dialogue conference in Syria to begin on February 25: Spox.
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The National Dialogue Conference aims to establish a provisional constitutional declaration, economic program, and institutional reform plan.
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Hassan al-Daghim, spokesperson for the preparatory committee for Syria's national dialogue conference, speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in Damascus, Syria, Friday, Feb. 21, 2025 (AP Photo/Abdelrahman Shaheen)
The National Dialogue Conference aimed at shaping Syria's future is set to commence on February 25, according to Hassan Daghim, spokesman for the conference's organizing committee.
Announcing the event at a press conference, Daghim confirmed that invitations would be distributed starting tomorrow, with the venue yet to be finalized.
He stated, "The distribution of invitations to conference participants from Syria and abroad will start tomorrow, with a view to convening the day after tomorrow, on Tuesday, February 25, with the venue of the conference to be determined later."
The conference is expected to play a crucial role in determining Syria's political future, following the fall of Damascus to the armed opposition in December and the subsequent resignation of Bashar Assad, who sought asylum in Russia.
In the wake of al-Assad's departure, Mohammed Bashir was appointed as the interim prime minister, leading an administration formed by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and other opposition groups. Ahmed Al-Sharaa was later declared the transitional president of the new Syrian administration.
SDF Negotiations
The conference occurs amid ongoing negotiations with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) about their integration into the new Syrian state. Backed by the US, the SDF is seeking autonomy in northeastern Syria.
Since December 2024, the SDF has been negotiating with Syria's interim government over its integration into a unified Syrian state, but talks stalled following a car bombing in Manbij, blamed on the SDF.
Read more: It's time for Syria's Kurds to fold: FT
In January, the Syrian Defense Minister, Murhaf Abu Qasra, warned that military action remains an option if negotiations fail, stating, "The door to negotiation with the (Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces) is currently open... If we have to use force, we will be ready."
Conference Goals
The National Dialogue Conference aims to establish a provisional constitutional declaration, economic program, and institutional reform plan. Daghim stated, "Recommendations from the National Dialogue will be not mere advice and formalities but the basis for the provisional constitutional declaration, economic program, and institutional reform plan."
To ensure broad representation from across Syrian society, over 30 preparatory meetings were conducted in various provinces. The conference organizers aim to include voices from different social and political groups to promote a comprehensive dialogue on Syria's future, Daghim noted.
The National Dialogue Conference was initially planned for early January but was postponed. Its opening session on February 25 marks a significant step in Syria's ongoing political transition and is expected to shape the country's constitutional and governmental structure moving forward.
