MSDRiyadh Darrar, the Co-chair of the Syrian Democratic Council, believes that the implications of Arab normalization with the authorities in Damascus will cease to have a negative impact when Arabs view that they have effective powers capable of influencing the Syrian issue.
Darrar explained that reaching this stage requires practical steps, the first of which is for Arab countries to realize that the Autonomous Administration is a solution project for Syria and a model that would keep Syria unified by a decentralized regime. This would put pressure on the authorities in Damascus to make concessions regarding the resolution, combat terrorism, stop drug trafficking, facilitate the return of refugees, and other issues.
Those statements were made during a dialogue seminar in which Riyadh Darrar participated remotely from the Austrian capital, Vienna, using a virtual meeting application. The seminar included opinion leaders, intellectuals, representatives of political parties, and women figures at the SDC Center in Raqqa.
Darrar added that Autonomous Administration is an expression of a resolution that accommodates the aspirations of Kurds in their regions to participate in a political and societal presence within the multi-ethnic Syrian state. He clarified that it is not a separatist project, as it was claimed, but rather a more mature and inclusive approach to a societal solution.
“The Syrian Democratic Forces, which emerged as a force responsible for protecting and defending the project, can participate in service of the Syrian army, setting the strongest example in a leading and non-sectarian role” Darrar stated.
Regarding the political approach, the Co-chair of the council emphasized his call for the participation of all components. He also continued to launch initiatives for a resolution, combating terrorism, and facilitating the return of refugees.
Concerning the tasks entrusted to the Autonomous Administration at this stage, Riyadh Darrar mentioned the essential matters that should be fulfilled, such as strengthening the Kurds and establishing their political position as a Syrian national project that can be resolved through democratic means, as well as enabling Kurdish-Arab relations and contributing to supporting and enhancing the democratic opposition.
On another note, Syrian politician and opposition figure Mouaffaq Nyrabieh, who participated in the seminar via a virtual communication application, addressed the situation experienced by Syrians and the ongoing events in Syria. He described it as a conspiracy targeting the people, pointing out that Syria is experiencing a situation of fragmentation, massive displacement, arrests, disintegration, bankruptcy, institutional weakness, drug trafficking, and a directing towards actual division.
Regarding the Jeddah summit, Nyrabieh stated that it represents a revival of an Arab role that emerged as a step to encourage the authorities in Damascus to feel victorious. He considered it as an attempt to rebuild a new system on the ruins of the old regime.
As for the Western stance, the Syrian opposition member affirmed that the United States and Western countries do not seek normalization before the authorities in Damascus take serious steps towards implementing the Resolution 2254. Their position will be firm regarding Damascus’ policies if it resorts only for returning to the Arab League without positively dealing with the outstanding issues.
Regarding the Arab role, Mouaffaq Nyrabieh stated that it is a desirable, positive, and very important matter in which we must be careful about it. He confirmed that the Syrians will not object to what is happening if the authorities abide by Resolution 2254 and if Damascus takes positive steps towards a political resolution, the return of refugees, and controlling drug trafficking.
Nyrabieh concluded his speech by emphasizing that the fragile situation of Syrians is the reason to make others easily manipulate the fate of Syrians. He called on Syrians to unite and rebuild their capabilities, no matter how weak they may appear.
