Damascus: Armed groups in Syria that refuse to disarm and do not recognize the Defense Ministry's authority will be barred from participating in the upcoming National Dialogue Conference, according to Hassan al-Dughaim, spokesman for the conference's Preparatory Committee.
According to Anadolu Agency, al-Dughaim emphasized in a press briefing in Damascus that the PKK/YPG terror group does not represent the Syrian populace. He highlighted that the conference is intended as a national dialogue platform, rejecting sectarian and ethnic divisions, rather than a show of military strength. Al-Dughaim stated, "Those who do not surrender their weapons to the Ministry of Defense will definitely not be invited. Armed groups and military formations will not participate in the conference as they are against the nature of the dialogue."
Since the fall of the Assad regime, the PKK/YPG has been trying to take advantage of regional instability to establish a 'terror corridor' along the border with Turkey. The PKK, listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the US, and the EU, has waged a 40-year terror campaign against Turkey, resulting in over 40,000 deaths, including women and children. The YPG is recognized as the PKK's Syrian branch.
Al-Dughaim noted that the conference welcomes all Syrians, allowing them to attend in person. However, its decisions are advisory and will be presented to the president. He also mentioned that those from the deposed Assad regime who committed human rights violations will not participate in Syria's future or in the conference, as their place is in courts of law.
The National Dialogue Conference's Preparatory Committee, initiated by President Ahmad Al-Sharaa, aims to foster national reconciliation, justice, reform, and representation among Syrians. Members of the committee held a press conference in Damascus, where Houda Atassi, a committee member, outlined the conference's goals to address social, political, and economic issues for a future based on comprehensive representation.
Atassi emphasized the importance of including various sectors from all provinces and components in the dialogue, highlighting that women will play an active role in building the new Syria, with participation based on merit rather than quotas.
Al-Dughaim announced that the conference date will be determined after engaging with citizens, conducting visits, and presenting working documents. He stated that the Preparatory Committee is an independent national entity, and its chairperson will be elected according to the bylaws.
He further added that the number of participants will depend on public consultations and that the conference represents all Syrians. "Important issues such as the constitutional structure, the executive, legislative and judicial powers, the economic vision, the reconstruction process, transitional justice, unity, sovereignty, and stability of the country will be shaped by the participants," al-Dughaim concluded.