Syriac Union Party and Assyrian Democratic Organization meet with U.S. Deputy Envoy to Syria Brownstein

HASAKAH, Syria — As part of their efforts to coordinate their advocacy for the rights and representation of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people in Syria, a joint delegation from the Syriac Union Party (SUP) and the Assyrian Democratic Organization (ADO) met with U.S. Deputy Envoy to Syria David Brownstein on Tuesday.

The delegation included SUP Co-Chair Sanharib Barsoum, SUP Political Relations Committee Representative Elizabeth Gawriye, head of ADO Daoud Daoud, and ADO External Relations Official Gabriel Moshe.

During the meeting, the two parties explained their ongoing dialogue, the steps that have been taken so far, as well as the importance of uniting efforts towards achieving the agreed upon patriotic and national goals of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people.

Brownstein stressed the importance of the dialogue, which is a positive and necessary step for all opposition parties in Syria in the pursuit of reaching a national political solution in the country.

He also provided an explanation of the U.S.’s understanding of the current reality in Syria and the importance of the political solution. Brownstein also stressed the U.S.’s rejection of the current presidential elections organized by the Syrian regime and the primacy of U.N. Security Council Resolution No. 2254.

Brownstein told SyriacPress that it is the goal of the U.S. to support democratic actors in Syria that are transparent and that meet the needs of their people.

With regard to the meeting of the SUP and ADO, Brownstein stated that it was clear from the meeting that the two political parties have put their disputes aside and focused on their common goals.

“This is an indication and a gesture of hope for spreading democracy within the government,” Brownstein stated, indicating that the U.S. supports the DAA precisely because it guarantees all the region’s peoples the right to participate in government.

“This is considered a positive step towards reaching the ultimate goal of a unified, democratic Syria, which guarantees equal rights for all citizens,” he added.

In response to a question from SyriacPress about the U.S. role in pushing the political process in Syria forward, Brownstein said that the U.S. cannot make decisions on behalf of the Syrian people, but it is the duty of the U.S. and civil society organizations to make maximum efforts to create the appropriate environment to advance the political process, support the political expression of individuals and political parties, and urge Syrians to engage in dialogue.

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Following the meeting, Barsoum stated that Brownstein expressed his support and happiness about the two parties’ joint organization of the recent Akitu celebration. Brownstein, a guest at the Akitu celebration, invited the two Syriac parties to hold a joint meeting and get acquainted with each other’s point of view.

Barsoum added that the two side explained the joint work conducted so far to Brownstein, in addition to planned future work that will form the nucleus for unifying the institutions of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people. He confirmed the two parties’ emphasis on including the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people and their parties in any political settlement that may take place in Syria.

Regarding the U.S. role in supporting the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people, their institutions, and their political parties in securing their rights, Barsoum stated that the major responsibility rests on the parties and institutions. However, he said, the U.S. plays an important role in finding a political solution in Syria in accordance with UNSCR No. 2254. Thus, he added, conveying Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) voices to U.S. officials is important.

Daoud stated that the two parties clarified the points on which their coordination is based, their vision for the future of Syria, and ways to transform it into a democratic country where equality prevails among all peoples.

He added that the two parties also informed Brownstein about the suffering of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people in the Khabur River Valley, Rish Ayno (Ras al-Ayn), and other areas.

Daoud reiterated the important U.S. role in the region in terms of security and economic and political development.