Bethnahrin National Council delegation meets IRF Secretariat President Nadine Maenza in Daramsuq

DARAMSUQ (DAMASCUS) — A Bethnahrin National Council (MUB) delegation met in Daramsuq with Nadine Maenza, President of the International Religious Freedom Secretariat and currently visiting Syria. The meeting focused on the situation of the Syriac (Aramean-Assyrian-Chaldean) people, and Christians in general, in the country. The MUB delegation informed Maenza of their demands to the Syrian Transitional Government that the Syriac people be included in the country’s new constitution.

The delegation included Ishoh Gawriye, member of MUB’s Executive Committee, Mary Hanna, representative of Syriac Cross for Relief and Development, and Rama Maraha, representative of Syriac Union Party. They were joined by Wael Aleji, member of Syrian Christian Advisory Forum.

Gawriye addressed the situation of Christians in Syria following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s dictatorial regime and the challenges they currently face. He also raised the aspirations of the Syriac (Aramean-Chaldean-Assyrian) people in the future Syria, the expectations they have from the Syrian Transitional Government, and Syriacs’ possible representation and role in the country’s evolving political landscape.

After having had meetings in Daramsuq (Damascus), Maenza shared a post on media platform X in which she stated that “many urged us to stop advocating for them to be protected as minorities. Instead, they seek a strong constitution that protects all communities of Syria, guaranteeing equal citizenship to all.”

Special time in Damascus with various religious communities including Christian Patriarchs, Bishops, Pastors & members of the community.

Many urged us to stop advocating for them to be protected as minorities. Instead, they seek a strong constitution that protects all… pic.twitter.com/SHRDaBsgDY

— Nadine Maenza (@nadinemaenza) February 16, 2025