MSDThe National Working Group held on Saturday an extensive meeting with various community segments at the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC) office in Raqqa city.
The meeting was convened following an invitation by the subcommittee of the National Working Group. The subcommittee included human rights figures, intellectuals, religious leaders, tribal leaders and notables, women’s organizations, political parties, and independent figures.
The subcommittee evaluated its work over the year. It highlighted the fundamental principles which the national work is based on. The National Working Group aims to ensure the unity of Syrian territory, and achieve a united front against any occupation. Also, it underscores the necessity of the withdrawal of foreign forces, the reinforcement of the Syrian national identity, and the unification of national political powers to achieve a decentralized, pluralistic, democratic state.
During the meeting, Ya’rub al-Khatib, a member of the subcommittee of the Group and a representative of the youth category, clarified that the purpose of this meeting is to create a roadmap for the National Working Group.
Ibrahim al-Owais, a member of the Religious Affairs Committee, emphasized the importance of implementing the principles of the national work draft. Al-Owais noted the issue of the IDPs and the necessity for Syrian refugees to return to their homeland under possible conditions.
Dima al-Taha, Co-chairwoman of the Green Idlib Council, stressed the importance of the national dialogue among Syrian parties to reach common understandings that contribute to resolving the Syrian crisis. Also, al-Taha called on the free people in Idlib to unite with the democratic national powers.
During the women’s participations in the meeting, Aliyaa al-Yassin, a civil activist, addressed the significant challenges facing Syrian youth and the suffering experienced by the Syrian people inside Syria. Al-Yassin demanded to know the reasons for the general discontent among populations and focused on the role of civil society.
Sheikh Ibrahim al-Hadi, a member of the Raqqa Council of Notables, called for the reformation of committees in the National Working Group, and appointment new creative members within these committees.
During the meeting, there were many opinions and proposals that supported and endorsed the principles of national work. The participants in the meeting presented a number of suggestions to restructure the committee, formulate the principles precisely, and add clauses in terms of denouncing violence, extremism, and terrorism.
The participants concluded the meeting with appointment of new members within the preparatory committee. Additionally, they set up a timeline for holding a committee meeting to develop a plan for the next phase. The aim is to hold a comprehensive national forum for the people of Raqqa.
