Syria Dialogue Congress Kicks off in Sochi…Qallaa: Syria Is the Beating Heart of Arabism, Crossroad of Civilizations

MOSCOW, (ST)-Activities of the Syrian National Dialogue Congress kicked off on Tuesday in the Russian Black Sea resort of Sochi with the participation of around 1500 people representing all categories of the Syrian society in addition to individuals representing external opposition.

The opening of the Congress was delayed as group of armed opposition members arriving from Turkey had set preconditions for their participation.

Syria is the beating heart of Arabism and the cross roads of civilizations

Ghassaan Qallaa, head of the Damascus Chamber of Commerce, said during the opening ceremony that Syria is the beating heart of Arabism and the cross roads of civilizations,  stressing the Syrians’ adherence to this strong link which, “despite the difficult past seven years through which our country has passed, was never weakened; rather, it became stronger and more fortified and without this common ground we, the Syrians, couldn’t achieve victories over the terrorist takfiri groups thanks to the sacrifices of our hero army and loyal people.”

 “These victories have prepared circumstances for holding this congress in order to tell the entire world that we, the Syrians, are able to meet, listen to each other and to stress the national necklace which unites us,” affirmed al-Qallaa.

He reiterated that “Syria will be only for the honest national Syrians who have the exclusive right to determine their future.”

He urged the participants to be united in defense of Syria’s sovereignty, unity and independence against enemies’ sinister schemes and to protect the country’s national and independent decision.

Participants in the Syrian National Dialogue Congress in the Russian city of Sochi has elected the congress Chairmanship Commission. The commission comprised Ghassan Qallaa, Safwan Qudsi, Mohammad Maher Qabaqibi, Jamal Qaderi, Mais Kredi, Amal Yazigi, Riad Taouz, Qadri Jamil, Haitham Mannaa, Ahmad al-Jarba and Randa Qassis.

Safwan Qudsi was elected Chairman of the Conference, Maher Qabaqibi as a Vice-Chairman and Mays Kredi as a rapporteur.

Hamda Mustafa