Al-Shara administration does not invite Syrian Turkmens to National Conference: 'Exclusionary approach' backlash

12punto FOREIGN NEWS

Following the 13-year civil war in Syria and the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime, a new political era has begun in the country. The National Dialogue Conference, organized in Damascus to shape the country's future, concluded today. Representatives of the Syrian Turkmens were not present at the conference, which saw more than 600 participants. The Syrian Turkmen Assembly (STM) expressed its reaction by issuing a statement regarding not being invited to the conference.

In its statement, the STM noted that they have stood by their Syrian brothers against the Assad regime since the first days of the revolution and have shown great sacrifices for this cause. The Assembly also stated that they have continued to support the new administration following the collapse of the regime. They emphasized that they support the efforts carried out by the administration led by President Ahmed al-Shara to ensure security and stability in the country.

The Turkmens argued that while they approach national reconciliation efforts positively, all national components of Syria should participate in the dialogue conference. The statement pointed out that the exclusion of political institutions and components would have negative effects on the country's political development.

'WE RECEIVED IT WITH SURPRISE'

The Assembly underscored that they 'received with surprise' the fact that they were not invited despite promises made during meetings with the Damascus administration regarding their participation in the conference. The STM stated that they do not accept the exclusionary approach followed by the National Dialogue Conference Preparatory Committee.

The statement reported the following:

''As the Syrian Turkmen Assembly, we emphasize that we support the political process carried out by the new administration. However, we reject the Preparatory Committee's disregard for the STM, which represents the Turkmen component. This stance has created an unacceptable sense of unease among the Turkmen public.''

The Assembly stated that if the outcomes of the conference do not meet the expectations of the Turkmens and do not guarantee their rights, they will maintain their reservations regarding these results. The statement said, 'Syria does not consist of a single color. The exclusion of any component from the political process is unacceptable.'

TURKMEN REPRESENTATION CONCERN

The Syrian Turkmen Assembly stated that building a new Syria would be possible by strengthening the idea of partnership among all political forces and national components. While emphasizing that democratic principles must be adhered to, the statement noted that a structure free from exclusion and discrimination must be established.

The Assembly stated that their hopes for building a new Syria where all components are represented continue. The STM once again emphasized that the rights of Turkmens should not be ignored while decisions are being made regarding the future of Syria.

At the end of the statement, the phrase 'The inclusion of Turkmens in the political process is of vital importance for the country's stability and peace' was used.

News Source: 12punto