Syriac Union Party Co-Chair Barsom: Lack of diversity in National Dialogue Conference preparatory committee “a serious mistake”

ZALIN, North and East Syria — In comments to SyriacPress, Co-Chair the Syriac Union Party (SUP) Sanharib Barsom criticized the composition of the preparatory committee for the National Dialogue Conference, appointed by Syrian Transitional President Ahmed al-Sharaa.

Al-Sharaa recently announced the formation of a seven-member preparatory committee for the conference.

SUP Rejects Committee’s Composition

Barsom denounced the committee’s makeup as incomplete and unacceptable, arguing that it signals a lack of representation and diversity in Syria’s political future.

“This is a serious mistake against the Syrians,” he declared, pointing to concerns that the committee’s formation represents a single ideological perspective.

Barsom questioned the inclusivity of the conference, noting that the committee has stated it will not invite political parties, political blocs, or representatives of ethnic communities. “This is a very serious matter,” he added.

Participation Key to Syria’s Future

Barsom emphasized that building a prosperous and unified Syria requires the active participation of all its ethnic and political groups. He called for recognition of pluralism and inclusion in any new formations or committees deciding Syria’s future.

Criticism of Committee Structure

The committee consists of five men and two women: Hassan al-Dughaim, Maher Alloush, Mohammed Mastat, Mustafa al-Mousa, Yousef al-Hajar, Hind Qabwat, and Huda Atassi. Only one member of the preparatory committee, Qabwat, is not Sunni Arab. Critics argue that this composition fails to reflect Syria’s diverse population and interests.

The conference is expected to include over 1,000 participants, according to the committee, though the event’s date has yet to be announced.

Background and Broader Criticism

The Syrian Transitional Government had initially announced plans for a National Dialogue Conference but postponed the event to expand the preparatory committee to better represent all regions and groups in Syria.

Despite this, the committee’s final composition has drawn widespread criticism from Syrian political parties, organizations, and community leaders, who see it as unrepresentative of the country’s diversity.

Barsom reiterated the importance of inclusivity, urging Syrian leaders to ensure that all ethnic, political, and social components have a voice in shaping the nation’s future. Without such representation, he warned, any new initiatives risk alienating significant segments of Syria’s population.