MSDThe Presidential Body of the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC) held a meeting, including Layla Qaraman and Mahmoud al-Mislat, Co-chairs of the SDC, deputies of the SDC’s Co-chairs and Co-chairs of the SDC’s offices.
The meeting commenced with an assessment of the political situation. The participants noted that global conflicts are escalating, as evidenced by the tensions between Ukraine and Russia, as well as between Israel and Iran and its regional allies.
The SDC’s Co-chairs underscored that there will be political changes and developments in the region. They warned that the region faces a real threat whose impacts will not be confined to Syria alone.
They also addressed the Syrian regime’s attacks on Deir ez-Zor. The SDC’s Co-chairs stated that the aim of these attacks is to undermine the region’s security, stability, and democratic model.
Additionally, they warned the Syrian regime against being drawn into anti-regional plots and categorically rejected the regime’s threatening behavior and its attacks on the region.
Furthermore, the participants affirmed that the Syrian regime and its allies’ attacks on Deir ez-Zor have led to increased threats in regions of northeast Syria. Turkey and the Islamic State (ISIS) have posed these threats.
The SDC’s Co-chairs commended the stance of the Arab tribes in Deir ez-Zor, stating that they had responded to the Syrian regime by standing with the tribes’ leaders and their military forces in thwarting the regime’s plans.
The participants rejected the turning of Syrian territory into a battleground for settling scores between Iran and the United States. They called on the Syrian regime to avoid taking steps that would enable or facilitate such conflicts.
Regarding the rapprochement between the Turkish regime and the authority in Damascus, participants stated that both parties only share a common ground in their hostility towards northeastern Syria. Therefore, they will not agree on other issues.
The participants also touched upon the protests in Suwayda, which have been ongoing for about a year. Additionally, they discussed the anti-Turkish and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (formerly al-Nusra Front) protests in northwestern Syria.
The SDC’s Co-chairs affirmed that the solution to the Syrian crisis is political and that the SDC seeks to develop this path. They emphasized the need to preserve the Syrian national discourse and to stress the solidarity and unity of the Syrian people.
Subsequently, the Body discussed the SDC’s organizational situation, the obstacles it encounters, and potential solutions.
Following extensive discussions, the Body issued a series of outcomes, most important of which are as follows:
• Holding meetings aimed at raising awareness about decentralization as a key point for stability and restoring Syria’s unity. Also, emphasizing on the concept of national identity in Syria.
• Underscoring the importance of Syrian national dialogue.
• Stressing the necessity of unifying the ranks of all Syrian parties and not involving Syria into international and regional conflicts.
• Affirming the importance of not allowing regional powers to turning Syria into a battleground for settling scores.
• Reaffirming that the SDC is open to all initiatives aimed at resolving the Syrian crisis.
• Emphasizing the importance of holding a conference including democratic powers and figures in the near future.
• Holding a meeting including political parties to discuss the latest political developments.
• Developing a work program for all the SDC’s offices.
The meeting concluded with a tribute to Amina Omar, former SDC’s Co-chairwoman, in recognition of her efforts made and contributions to the SDC’s work.
