Syria’s Leader Reiterates Commitment to Democratic Transition Amid National Dialogue Talks
Syria’s de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, reaffirmed his pledge to facilitate a democratic political transition as talks on the country’s future began in Damascus.
On Tuesday, al-Sharaa urged Syrians to unite and announced the establishment of a transitional justice body, addressing participants of the national dialogue aimed at guiding the country’s political transition following years of civil war and the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad.
He also emphasized the state’s monopoly on weapons, a critical issue in a nation where numerous armed groups have fought in recent years.
The meeting, held in the capital, was promoted by al-Sharaa and his ruling Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) as a key milestone toward a democratic and inclusive transition and state reconstruction. However, concerns have been raised that the process is being rushed.
“I urge all Syrians to stand united, hand in hand, to heal the wounds and wash away the pains after decades of dictatorship,” al-Sharaa said in his opening address, during which he announced the formation of a transitional justice committee.
“Over the past two months, we have worked on pursuing those who committed crimes against Syrians,” he added.
“The unity of arms and their monopoly by the state is not a luxury but a duty and an obligation,” he continued. Al-Sharaa has previously stated that Kurdish-led forces, who also fought against al-Assad’s regime for years, should be integrated into the national army.
Last-Minute Planning and Challenges
Plans for the conference remained uncertain until the last minute, with its sudden announcement on Sunday surprising many observers who expected it to take one or two more months to organize.
Invitations were sent out even as the organizing committee traveled across Syria to meet community leaders, leading to confusion and criticism.
Opposition politician George Sabra, who lives in exile in France, posted on X that he had received an invitation on February 23 to be present in Damascus but was unable to attend due to the short notice.
According to local media, around 600 participants are attending the talks and will engage in a packed agenda during the single day of working sessions. Topics include transitional justice, a new constitution, institutional reform, personal freedoms, the role of civil society, and the country’s economy.
Scepticism and Hope
While the conference’s recommendations are non-binding, its outcome is being closely watched as the international community considers lifting sanctions imposed on Syria during al-Assad’s rule.
One of the most anticipated outcomes is a new constitution, though doubts remain about whether this can be achieved in a single day.
The short notice and one-day schedule have fueled scepticism among some.
“I don’t expect this conference to produce any results, to be honest,” said Dalia Dalati, a public employee displaced during Syria’s nearly 14-year civil war.
Three months after al-Assad’s fall, Dalati noted that the economic and security situations remain precarious.
Orthodox Archbishop Elia Tohme, an invitee, said it was “too early to judge” whether the conference represents a meaningful opportunity for citizens to shape the new order.
However, participant Iman Shahoud, a judge from Hama, expressed optimism, calling the conference “the day of true victory, because you can see in front of you all the sects and components of the Syrian people, women and men, present here.”
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