Syriac Union Party at political workshop in Sweden: Syrians should not cheer empty statements from Daramsuq, but judge the Transitional Government by its actions

STOCKHOLM — A political workshop on recent developments in Syria and the state of the Syrian people was held on Thursday in the Swedish capital Stockholm. It was organized by the Swedish Social Democratic Party, the Olof Palme International Center, and the Workers’ Educational Association.

The workshop gathered officials and representatives from various political organizations, including the Syrian National Coalition, Syrian Democratic People’s Party, Syrian Democratic Council (SDC), and women’s organizations. Among the attendees was Metin Rhawi, delegated to the workshop for the Syriac Union Party (SUP) Sweden branch.

Discussions opened with an in-depth analysis of Syria’s trajectory following the collapse of the regime of Bashar al-Assad, ongoing political developments, and the recent agreement between the Syrian Transitional Government (STG) and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Women’s rights advocates who had recently visited Syria, shared insights on the role of women in shaping the country’s future.

Criticism of STG Organized National Dialogue Conference

The Syrian National Dialogue Conference organized by the STG drew criticism from Rhawi, who condemned the exclusion of key religious communities and peoples from the constitutional drafting process. In his remarks, Rhawi highlighted the identity and rights of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) and Syria’s Christian communities, who were neither recognized nor invited to participate in the Daramsuq (Damascus) talks. He also spoke about reported massacres committed by security forces affiliated with the STG against Alawite and Christian populations in Syria’s coastal regions.

Addressing audience concerns, Rhawi outlined the SUP’s stance on justice, governance, and the necessity of an inclusive educational system. He advocated for decentralized government and urged Syrians not to be swayed by statements from the STG but to judge the regime based on its actions — particularly in fulfilling commitments that could lead to the lifting of Western sanctions.

Rhawi concluded by emphasizing the importance of protecting the rights of smaller components and ensuring their representation in Syria’s future constitution.