Workshop on Syrian Society’s Vision for Solution to Crisis

DAMASCUS, (ST)-An initiative by Member of the People’s Assembly Maria Saadeh brought together influential personalities from different categories of the Syrian society in a workshop to express the society’s vision for a solution to the crisis in Syria in the light of the consultations and conferences being held abroad for the same purpose.

The two-day  workshop, which was opened in Damascus on Friday under the title “Our Word”, tackles the repercussions of the war on the structure of the Syrian society and focuses on partnership between the state and the society in confronting this war and on the society’s role in facing foreign interference.

The event aims at exchanging views on several issues in order to have consensus on national principles, to rearrange priorities according to the current situation in the country following four years of war, to come up with recommendations that help solve many social problems and to stress that the Syrian society has a legitimate right to be part of any solution.

Saadeh: It is the responsibility of all categories of Syrian society to confront the war

MP Maria Saadeh stressed in her opening speech that Syria is facing a war targeting the structure of the Syrian society and the institutions of the state and that it is the responsibility of all categories of society to mobilize their potentials and efforts as to confront this war.

“The Syrians are the only side which can specify the situation in their country and suggest suitable solutions for their social problems,” Saadeh said, clarifying that international consultations on Syria ignore the will of the Syrian society and deal only with that of the “opposition” abroad.

She pointed out that the sanctions imposed on the Syrian people flagrantly violate the UN Charter and the international law, because they target civilian citizens and their basic needs. She clarified that the western countries are demanded to reconsider their policies towards Syria to help end the suffering of the Syrian people.

Participants in the workshop affirmed the principles that unite the Syrians in the face of foreign intervention and stressed faith in the ability of the Syrian society to confront the conspiracy hatched on Syria.

They noted that the Syrians’ cohesion and adherence to their homeland are basic elements that can guarantee the achievement of the Syrian people’s goals and aspirations in security, social unity and socio-economic development.

The participants affirmed the importance of fortifying the internal Syrian front to support the heroic deeds of the Syrian Arab Army in the fight against terrorism, allowing the people to be partner in policy making, rebuilding the society on strong solid bases to be more immune against challenges, engaging economic sectors and social activities in rebuilding the country, achieving social justice and providing equal opportunities to all.

Father Ilias Zahlawi said that “what is going on in the Arab world and Syria is but the product of a colonialist scheme designed for the region and is being implemented on ground by Arab tools.”

 He clarified that Israel is trying to dismantle and fragment the Arab society to legitimize its existence in the region.

Zahlawi urged Christian men of religion in the West to form a world public opinion to pressure western leaders as to stop the terrorist bloody events which are taking place in Syria under the pretext of attaining democracy.    

Hamda Mustafa