Syrian People's Will Party chief says national dialogue necessary
The leader of the Syrian People's Will Party underlines that his country needs national dialogue as he stresses that the leadership came to terms with the new status quo.
Kadri Jamil, head of the People's Will Party and leader of the Front for Change and Liberation, emphasized the need for a comprehensive national dialogue in Syria, underpinned by transparency and inclusivity. Speaking to Al Mayadeen on Sunday, Jamil acknowledged past missteps and stressed the importance of reconciliation for the country's future.
"Reconciliation requires frankness," Jamil stated, adding that Russia misjudged former President Bashar al-Assad's responsiveness to its advice. He called for the formation of a balanced national committee to spearhead the dialogue process.
Jamil highlighted the urgency of fostering national cohesion in Syria. "One faction alone cannot govern Syrian society," he said, advocating for dialogue, tolerance, and reconciliation. He announced plans to return to Damascus and participate actively in the political movement, emphasizing that the People's Will Party feels secure in adapting to Syria's evolving realities.
Support for UNSC Resolution 2254
Discussing the international framework for resolving the Syrian crisis, Jamil noted that the essence of UN Security Council Resolution 2254 remains relevant but requires adjustments. "I have conveyed this view to [UN Special Envoy] Geir Pedersen," he said, affirming the need for a collaborative approach involving regional and international actors.
Jamil revealed ongoing talks with Turkish officials and the Syrian opposition, praising Turkiye's potential role in facilitating Syrian dialogue. He also underscored the importance of Russian and Arab contributions, including Saudi Arabia and Iraq, in stabilizing Syria.
Jamil stressed the need to integrate opposition factions into the Syrian army to counter perceived Israeli and US plans. "This integration is vital to thwart their schemes," he said, warning of ongoing administrative and security instability in the country.
He criticized the premature actions of some opposition factions, which he claimed played into the hands of external actors. "Their moves came at an inconvenient time for the Americans and Israelis, but the latter exploited the situation," Jamil concluded.
International discussions ongoing
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held discussions over the phone on advancing the Syrian settlement, the Russian Foreign Ministry reported on Sunday. The conversation focused on fostering an inclusive national dialogue to address the ongoing conflict in Syria.
"Sergey Lavrov and Hakan Fidan also discussed further steps to support the Syrian settlement by organizing an inclusive national dialogue involving all political and ethno-confessional forces in Syria and all 'external players' capable of facilitating the search for appropriate agreements," the ministry’s statement read.
The foreign ministers also touched on regional and global issues, including the Ukraine conflict, while stressing the importance of safeguarding energy security. "Particular attention was paid to the need to prevent actions aimed at creating risks to energy security," the ministry added.
The talks come amid increased pressure on Syria's new leadership to distance itself from Russia, as Western nations impose preconditions for lifting sanctions on the country. European officials have reportedly been urging the interim government in Damascus to sever ties with Moscow in exchange for economic and political incentives.
Meanwhile, Turkey has voiced frustration with Western nations over their continued support for Kurdish factions, which Ankara views as terrorist organizations. The issue has been a longstanding point of contention, with Turkey accusing the West of undermining its security interests in the region.