Syria's Interim President Calls for Unity at 'Historic' National Dialogue Conference

---In a keynote speech at the ongoing national dialogue conference in Damascus, Syria's interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, underscored this moment as "historic," believing it presents a unique opportunity for the nation to rebuild following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. The conference, attended by 600 delegates, aims to gather input on crucial topics such as transitional justice, economic reform, and the drafting of a new constitution to guide Syria's future leadership.Sharaa assertively called for the integration of various armed groups into the national military structure, emphasizing that Syria must operate under a single authority with a monopoly on weaponry. His remarks highlight a commitment to state unity, stating, "Syria is indivisible; it is a complete whole, and its strength lies in its unity." However, the conference faces criticism regarding its rushed nature and the absence of significant factions such as the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which controls large areas in northern Syria. Organizers responded that the SDF's non-participation stemmed from their reluctance to disarm and join the new military, a stance characterized by SDF spokesman Farhad Shami as exclusionary and unsatisfactory for achieving lasting solutions for the country.Over the course of the conference, several specialized working groups will be established, focusing on vital issues including the reform of state institutions and personal freedoms. Sharaa promised the formation of a transitional justice body, stating it would work to "restore people's rights" and bring to account those responsible for war crimes during the protracted conflict.International observers are closely monitoring the developments from the conference, with a growing push for an inclusive political process that adequately represents Syria's diverse ethnic and religious communities. Both the European Union and the United States have previously imposed sanctions on the Assad regime, yet the ongoing dialogue presents an opportunity for future cooperation, contingent on adherence to commitments regarding democracy and minority rights.Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani praised the recent suspension of certain sanctions by the EU while condemning lingering ones as illegitimate. This moment of dialogue is pivotal for Syria's political landscape, and the effectiveness of these discussions will have lasting implications for the country's stability and governance.