Syrian National Dialogue Congress Gathers in Sochi To Decide the Future of their Country
Sochi is having a big day of international politics. Participants of the Syrian National Dialogue Congress are looking for ways out of the prolonged armed conflict. In the hall, hundreds of participants seek peace in the Arab Republic and are ready for a dialogue about the post-war settlement of the country. Creating a constitutional commission is one of the main conditions for a political settlement.
Denis Davydov is reporting from Sochi.
Delegates were still gathering for the Congress, but it was clear that Sochi gathered very different people, like the tribal elders and former militants, muftis and bishops, kurds and druses — more than 1500 participants.
"Our tribe is from Raqqa, you probably know there was a terrible war there. Syria persevered, and we came here to discuss the fate of our homeland. We stand for the sovereignty of Syria, for unity. Kurds, Alawites, Christians, Arabs — doesn't matter, Syrian people are united".
For the first time, the Syrian people can talk without intermediaries. The meeting is held by an elder, not by international observers. He's a respected man among the participants, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Damascus.
Muhammad Hasan al-Qalaa, Chairman of the Trade Union of Syria: "We're informing the whole world that Syrians can unite to reaffirm the national ties that bind us. I can not but express my sincere gratitude to the leadership, government, and people of the Russian Federation for its assistance to our country, for inviting us to this meeting, for the warm welcome and for creating excellent conditions for our session".
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia arranged the Congress. Sergei Lavrov began his speech with Vladimir Putin's welcoming words. The president sent a telegram to the Congress.
Sergey Lavrov, Foreign Minister of Russia: "This forum shall unite the people of Syria once again, after a nearly seven-year armed conflict that claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. It can be stated with certainty that today we have the conditions to turn over a tragic page in the history of Syria".
It was not easy to speak for the Russian Minister — the audience applauded almost every word.
Sergey Lavrov: "I would like to add a couple…"
"Long live Russia!"
"Long live Russia's friends! "
Sergey Lavrov: "Dear friends, let me have your attention please, I appreciate the "Long live Russia", but please let me speak".
The Congress of the National Dialogue not only spoke on peace but also prayed for it. Sochi was attended by representatives of multiple confessions, so the organizers provided several prayer rooms for them. Here is the prayer room for Muslim women, the next one is for the Muslim men, there is also a prayer hall for Christians.
- What are you praying for?
- We pray for peace, only for peace.
Negotiations behind closed doors continue for more than 8 hours. During a short break, we ask those who went out into the corridor about the sentiment in the hall.
Mahmud Fadia, delegate of the Syrian National Dialogue Congress: "It was strained, as everyone's holding their ground and doesn't want to move on, we had several conflicts, but we managed to resolve them. It's clear there won't be an easy solution here".
The results of the Sochi Congress can give impetus to the talks in Geneva which have little to no progress. The final acts of the Congress will be transferred to the UN.
Denis Davydov, Stanislav Ponomarenko, Valery Glushakov and Oksana Sergeantova, Vesti