Syrian Democratic Council delegation meets German FM Annalena Baerbock in Daramsuq (Damascus) 

DARAMSUQ — A delegation from the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC) met with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and her accompanying delegation in the Syrian capital on Wednesday to discuss the latest developments in Syria. 

As events continue to unfold rapidly in Syria, particularly following the fall of the former regime, the newly opened German Embassy in Daramsuq (Damascus) extended an invitation to the SDC for consultations. Responding to the invitation, a delegation led by Leyla Qaraman, the co-chair of the Syrian Democratic Council, held talks with Baerbock in Daramsuq (Damascus). The meeting was also attended by Ali Rahmon, the vice co-chair of the SDC, along with several other officials. 

Discussions centered on the progress of the transitional process in Syria, the agreement between the Syrian Transitional Government (STG) and the commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the ongoing Kurdish-Kurdish dialogue, among other key issues. Participants expressed optimism about the post-Assad era, emphasizing that the next phase could pave the way for ending years of conflict and establishing lasting peace and stability. 

However, both sides voiced disappointment over the selection process of the new transitional president, Ahmad Al-Sharaa, citing a lack of genuine Syrian participation in his appointment. The SDC delegation criticized the constitutional declaration adopted by the Syrian interim government, arguing that it perpetuates centralized rule, grants excessive powers to the executive branch, and restricts political activity. 

The meeting also addressed recent massacres in Syria’s coastal region, which have heightened concerns over the fragile transition and the broader security situation. The SDC warned that failure to address these events could undermine stability and the transition process. 

Despite these challenges, the council welcomed the recently signed agreement between the SDF and the STG, viewing it as a step in the right direction toward ensuring security and stability. The delegation expressed hope that the agreement would be implemented in a way that meets the aspirations of the Syrian people. 

For her part, Baerbock extended her congratulations to the Kurdish people on the occasion of Nowruz, the traditional New Year celebration. 

The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the importance of continued diplomatic efforts to secure a fair and inclusive political process—one that guarantees Syria’s unity while upholding the principles of democracy, pluralism, and justice.