Press conference of the Preparatory Committee for the National Dialogue-issuing second statement

The Preparatory Committee for the National Dialogue Conference said during a press conference that more than 30 meetings were held, covering all governorates, to ensure representation of the various components of Syrian society, as part of the ongoing preparations for holding the National Dialogue Conference.

“There was a repeated demand for the necessity of issuing a temporary constitutional declaration to manage the transitional phase and the necessity

of developing an economic plan that is appropriate for the phase, in addition to the necessity of restructuring government sectors and involving citizens in managing institutions and enhancing security and stability to facilitate the construction of state institutions.” The Preparatory Committee for the National Dialogue Conference added

It also noted that despite the difference in viewpoints, diversity is a healthy indicator of the Syrians’ ability to engage in dialogue and coexistence, which reinforces the conviction that societal diversity is a source of strength for Syrians, contrary to what the former regime tried to establish.

“Dialogue is not just a conference or a temporary event, but rather a sustainable approach to resolving national issues in a gradual and responsible manner. During the meetings, we clearly sensed the high national spirit and responsibility among the various Syrian societal elites, which support the National Dialogue Conference and facilitates its preparatory work,” the committee added.

“The conference will adopt a practical approach, as its activities will include specialized workshops that address the issues that the committee has extracted from its meetings with various segments of society.

Experts, specialists and interested parties will participate in each workshop to ensure in-depth discussions and find applicable solutions,” the committee said.

The Preparatory Committee for the National Dialogue Conference also indicated that this conference is the first step in a long national path that requires continuous collective work to build a new Syrian national identity that preserves civil peace and achieves the aspirations of the Syrian people for a future worthy of their sacrifices.

The members of the Preparatory Committee for the National Dialogue Conference thanked everyone who contributed and participated in these efforts and called on all Syrians to interact with this path for the good of Syria and its future.

The Preparatory Committee announced the participation of approximately 4,000 men and women in the meetings. The Committee conducted many dialogues with the aim of listening to various opinions and orientations. It listened to and recorded more than 2,200 interventions and received more than700 written contributions.

The committee expressed satisfaction, saying: “During the meetings, we noticed a broad state of consensus among the Syrians, which facilitated the committee’s work, as the issues of transitional justice, constitutional construction, institutional reform, economic reform, the unity of Syrian territory, and the issues of public and personal freedoms and political freedoms emerged as basic priorities for everyone.”

Spokesman for the Preparatory Committee for the National Dialogue Conference, Hassan Al-Daghim, said that invitations to conference participants from inside and outside Syria will begin tomorrow and the conference venue will be determined later.

He also stressed that the recommendations of the national dialogue will not be mere advice and formalities, but will be built upon for the constitutional declaration, economic identity, and institutional reform plan.

He explained that the committee has amended its programs based on the criticism, and the meeting will be with different groups, especially in the eastern regions, and there will be representation for the families of the victims, the wounded and the detainees.

“The formation of the transitional government is not consistent with the path of the national dialogue, but its formation after the national dialogue is held will allow us to benefit from the conference’s proposals,” Al-Daghim added.

Hanan Shamout