Broad rejection of National Dialogue Conference across political actors in North and East Syria citing exclusionary approach

NORTH AND EAST SYRIA — The Democratic Autonomous Administration of the Region of North and East Syria (DAARNES) issued a public statement condemning the National Dialogue Conference as disappointing and unrepresentative of Syria’s diverse communities.

Disappointing Initiative

In its statement, DAARNES expressed deep dissatisfaction with the conference, asserting that it failed to meet the expectations of the Syrian people. It criticized the Syrian Transitional Government’s (STG) approach, emphasizing that a fully inclusive committee should have been formed from the beginning to prepare for the event. Such a move, DAARNES argued, would have ensured proper representation and fostered meaningful dialogue. Instead, the process was described as falling far short of the aspirations of Syrians.

Lack of True Representation

The Administration also highlighted the inadequacy of the committee responsible for organizing the conference, arguing that it failed to reflect Syria’s rich diversity. It criticized the rhetoric employed by committee members, noting a lack of genuine commitment to dialogue and reconciliation. DAARNES pointed out that meetings held across Syrian provinces purportedly to prepare for the conference only served to perpetuate exclusionary policies, which Syrians have long opposed.

Rejection of Conference’s Outcomes

According to DAARNES, the Conference’s preparatory meetings excluded legitimate representatives of the Syrian people, perpetuating marginalization rather than addressing it. Consequently, the administration declared that it does not recognize the conference as representative of the Syrian population and will not participate in implementing its outcomes.

Commitment to a Genuine Syrian Future

The statement concluded with DAARNES reaffirming its commitment to the aspirations and hopes of all Syrians. The Administration reiterated its advocacy for an inclusive and participatory approach to shaping Syria’s future, underscoring the need for genuine representation and dialogue in any national reconciliation process.

Repeating Past Mistakes

Opinions from officials and political leaders from across North and East Syria were broadly negative.

Wael Mirza, an official from the Assyrian Democratic Party (ADP), criticized the conference organizers for perpetuating methods reminiscent of the previous regime. “The conference did not include all Syrian ethnic components as expected,” Mirza stated. He added that the deliberate exclusion of national groups, including Syriacs (Arameans–Assyrians–Chaldeans), demonstrates that the political process remains dominated by the old regime’s divisive mentality.

Hikmat Habib, a member of the General Secretariat of the Arab National Authority, argued that the conference was hastily and inequitably prepared, failing to genuinely represent all active political forces. “It was clear from the beginning that the conference would not be inclusive or effective, given the exclusion of Kurdish, Arab, and Syriac parties,” Habib said.

Dr. Hussein Azzam, Co-Chair of the Relations Office of the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC), emphasized the need to overcome geographical and ethnic divisions as part of Syria’s comprehensive rebuilding process. He highlighted the importance of ensuring representation for all Syrian ethnic groups in governance and called for a vision that incorporates transitional justice.

Concerns Over Women’s Exclusion

The Syrian Women’s Council (SWC) in North and East Syria voiced its discontent over the continued exclusion of women from meaningful participation in national dialogues. The Council warned against repeating past scenarios, which faced widespread public rejection, and underscored the need for equitable representation in shaping Syria’s future.

Critics of the conference from across North and East Syria argue that the exclusion of key components, both ethnic and political, undermines the legitimacy of the National Dialogue Conference and its potential to foster genuine consensus. The absence of inclusivity, they say, risks further entrenching divisions instead of paving the way for unity and reconciliation in post-conflict Syria.