SUP Co-Chair Shamiram Danho and spokesperson of Souria al-Watan Mohammad Darwish criticize exclusionary nature of National Dialogue

BETH ZALIN, North and East Syria — Co-Chair of the Syriac Union Party (Shamiram Danho and spokesperson for the Syrian Homeland Party (Souria al-Wata) Mohammad Darwish strongly criticized the National Dialogue Conference, organized by the Syrian Transitional Government (STG), for its exclusionary approach. Both leaders argued that the lack of genuine representation undermines the credibility and effectiveness of the dialogue.

Missed Opportunity for True National Dialogue

Danho expressed disappointment, stating that her party had hoped for an inclusive platform where all communities in Syria would be represented. She highlighted the exclusion of Hasakah Province, home to a rich diversity of Syriacs (Arameans–Assyrians–Chaldeans), Kurds, Arabs, and Armenians, as a significant political misstep.

“The language of dialogue is essential,” Danho stated in an interview with North Press Agency, emphasizing that all communities in Syria share common goals and rights. She warned that without equitable representation, the conference is bound to fail, as every group must have a voice in shaping the country’s future.

Calls for Unity and Avoiding Further Divisions

Mohammad Darwish echoed these concerns, stressing the urgent need for genuine national dialogue, especially after the collapse of the previous regime’s centralized rule. He described the lack of broad representation at the conference as a grave mistake and cautioned against further deepening political and social divides.

Darwish called on all Syrians to unite around shared national interests, urging them to prioritize inclusivity and work together toward a more representative and equitable future.

SDF’s Response and Plans for Independent Dialogue

The criticism coincides with ongoing tensions over representation in Syria’s political process. General Commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) Mazloum Abdi recently announced that the Democratic Autonomous Administration of the Region of North and East Syria (DAARNES) would hold its own dialogue on the country’s future, following its exclusion from the National Dialogue Conference.

Abdi reiterated the SDF’s willingness to integrate into a new Ministry of Defense, provided it joins as a unified military force rather than as individual fighters. This proposal was previously rejected by the STG.

Call for Meaningful Reconciliation

As political divisions deepen, critics warn that exclusionary practices could undermine Syria’s long-term stability and derail efforts toward meaningful reconciliation. The need for an inclusive and representative national dialogue remains critical in addressing the country’s complex challenges and achieving a lasting resolution.