Ilham Ahmed, Foreign Relations co-chair for the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, stressed the importance of a decentralised system for Syria’s future during a panel in Hasakah (Hesekê). The prominent figure called for a new constitution, UN-monitored elections and the inclusion of all ethnic groups, urging civil society to actively contribute to Syria’s peace and stability.
Delegates from over 50 civil society organisations discussed the prospects for relations between the AANES and Damascus, and the role of civil society in Syria’s future, at the event, organised by the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Hasakah (Hesekê), Jazira (Cizîr) Canton.
“The need for change in Syria continues. We are in a transitional phase, and this phase is critical for the future of the new Syria,” Ahmed said in her opening speech, addressing concerns over the new interim government in Damascus.
“The international community attaches importance to the recent developments in Syria and aims to see a new Syria embracing its multiculturalism and diversity,” she said. “A decentralised system is the best system for Syria’s future.” She also stressed that women’s participation in politics and society should be a “fundamental demand of all Syrians”.
Ahmed highlighted that visits from international delegates to the region would aid Syria’s reconstruction. She stressed the need for real political change through a new constitution, UN-monitored democratic elections and the inclusion of all ethnic groups, noting that no committee or assembly representing all Syrians, crucial for progress, has yet been formed.
In her speech, Ahmed also commented on the upcoming conference on Syria to be held in Paris on 13 February. “At the conference, many issues such as the easing of sanctions imposed on Syria and starting of the reconstruction process will be discussed,” she said, drawing attention also to the ongoing attacks by the Turkish military and the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) on North and East Syria, especially at the Tishreen (Tişrîn) Dam and the rural areas of Manbij (Minbîc).
Ilham Ahmed emphasised the need for a decentralised system, adding: “We want to build a strong Syria through a single army and active politics and diplomacy. Building such a Syria is only possible by having a decentralised and balanced system. Insisting on a new centralised system would only mean creating a new dictator, which we reject.”
She closed her speech by calling on the attending civil society organisations to play an active role in contributing to Syria’s peace and stability.
