Syriac Union Party Co-Chair Sanharib Barsom: National Dialogue Conference superficial and rooted in exclusionary mindset

BETH ZALIN, North and East Syria — Sanharib Barsom, Co-Chair of the Syriac Union Party (SUP), criticized the National Dialogue Conference organized by the Syrian Transitional Government (STG) in an interview with the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC), describing it as a superficial event designed to exclude key political forces and genuine representatives on the ground.

Flawed Formation Process

Barsom rejected the mechanism behind the formation of the National Dialogue Conference, arguing that the selection process for the preparatory committee was deliberately restrictive. He highlighted the exclusion of key political forces, including representatives of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people, their political parties, and civil society organizations. This exclusionary approach, Barsom asserted, renders the conference a symbolic gesture rather than a meaningful attempt at national dialogue.

Pattern of Exclusion

Barsom emphasized that such exclusion is not an isolated incident. He pointed to past international platforms, such as the Geneva and Astana conferences, where active political forces were similarly sidelined due to clear regional pressures. He argued that this recurring exclusion undermines efforts to create an inclusive political process, making it difficult to achieve a sustainable resolution to Syria’s ongoing crisis.

Handpicked Participants and Risk of Deepening Divisions

Barsom criticized the selective invitation process, which he claimed prioritized individuals aligned with the organizing authority rather than those with real influence on the ground. He warned that this approach risks further deepening divisions among Syria’s political forces and communities, rather than fostering unity or collaboration.

Regional Influence and Conference’s Legitimacy

Barsom also pointed to significant regional interference in shaping the conference, calling it unacceptable both to his party and to Syria’s long-standing national political forces, which were deliberately excluded. He described this interference as a clear indicator of the conference’s failure and questioned its legitimacy as a truly national initiative.

Call for Genuine Representation

Barsom concluded by underscoring that achieving a final and lasting solution for Syria requires meaningful political representation. He criticized the unilateral approach taken by the conference, arguing that it reinforces exclusionary politics and fails to satisfy or include all Syrian communities. True political resolution, Barsom insisted, can only be achieved through genuine participation from all components of Syrian society.