Syria's new authorities will hold a national dialogue conference starting on February 25 to discuss a new path for the nation, according to two members of its preparatory committee. The conference aims to address the future of the country following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in December.
Foreign capitals will be closely watching the conference as part of a political process in Syria that they say needs to be inclusive of its ethnically diverse and multi-religious population. The international community is considering suspending sanctions on the country, contingent upon the outcome of the dialogue.
Holding the conference has been a key pledge of former Al Qaeda affiliate Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which took control of Damascus on December 8 in a stunning offensive. The offensive prompted then-president Assad to flee to Russia, ending more than 50 years of his family's autocratic rule.
The preparatory committee's seven members consulted with approximately 4,000 people across Syria over the past week to gather input for the conference. The committee aims to shape a constitutional declaration, a new economic framework, and a plan for institutional reform.
HTS-appointed President Ahmed Sharaa has announced that a national dialogue conference will be held in Syria, starting on February 25. The conference, which is expected to last two days, is part of an inclusive political process aimed at drafting a new constitution and holding elections.
Sharaa has stated that the constitution drafting process could take up to three years, followed by a four-year period for elections. The conference's recommendations will also be used to inform the formation of a new government, which is expected to take place next month.
Committee member Hassan Dugheim has indicated that the conference duration may be extended if necessary. This article was produced by Reuters news agency.
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