British delegation meets Syriac Union Party in North and East Syria to discuss regional challenges and opportunities

BETH ZALIN, North and East Syria — Representatives of the Syriac Union Party in Syria (SUP) met with a British delegation in Beth Zalin (Qamishli), North and East Syria, to discuss the region’s current situation, the conditions of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) community, and potential initiatives to benefit local populations.

The Syriac Union Party’s delegation included member of the Presidential Committee of the Bethnahrin National Council (Mawtbo Umthoyo D’Bethnahrin, MUB) Echoue Gouriye, SUP Co-Chair Shamiram Danho, and member of the SUP General Council Rubel Bahho.

The British delegation included Council Member and Mayor of Maidstone Martin Round, deputy leader of the Labour Party in Kent County Council Karen Constantine, former President of the Trades Union Congress in Britain Sir Roger Lyons, and director of aviation at Mid Kent Jasin Kaplan.

Post-War Politics and Coexistence

The meeting covered Syria’s political landscape following the fall of the previous regime and the progress of the Syrian Transitional Government. Discussions also focused on the political and social dynamics in North and East Syria, highlighting the region’s multi-ethnic coexistence.

A significant portion of the dialogue addressed the historical persecution of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) community and their current role within the Democratic Autonomous Administration of the Region of North and East Syria (DAARNES).

The British representatives expressed their willingness to support the region through development initiatives that would benefit local communities. They also proposed various projects aimed at boosting the regional economy.

Karen Constantine: National Dialogue Must be Inclusive

Speaking to SyriacPress, Karen Constantine explained that the delegation sought to gain a firsthand understanding of the region’s realities. While acknowledging the global optimism following the fall of Bashar al-Assad, she criticized the National Dialogue Conference for failing to represent Syria’s diverse political and ethnic groups, as it involved only a limited number of the country’s parties.

Constantine emphasized that a successful political transition requires the inclusion of all parties and communities. She declared her unwillingness to support the national dialogue process in its current form unless it becomes more inclusive.

Commenting on the UK’s stance on Syria’s evolving situation, Constantine stated that Britain envisions the establishment of a democratic government capable of ensuring stability and security for both the Syrian people and the broader Middle East. However, she noted that ongoing military conflicts remain a significant obstacle.

She also stressed the urgent need to rebuild Syria’s war-ravaged infrastructure and restore homes for displaced civilians.