STORY: Preparations underway for Syria's National Dialogue Conference: officials
SHOOTING TIME: Feb. 13, 2025
DATELINE: Feb. 14, 2025
LENGTH: 00:02:28
LOCATION: Damascus
CATEGORY: POLITICS

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the press conference
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): HUDA AL-ATASSI, Member of the Preparatory Committee for the Syrian National Dialogue Conference
3. various of the press conference
4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Arabic): HUDA AL-ATASSI, Member of the Preparatory Committee for the Syrian National Dialogue Conference
5. various of the press conference
6. SOUNDBITE 3 (Arabic): HUDA AL-ATASSI, Member of the Preparatory Committee for the Syrian National Dialogue Conference
7. various of the press conference
8. SOUNDBITE 4 (Arabic): HASSAN AL-DAGHIM, Spokesperson for the Preparatory Committee of the National Dialogue Conference
9. various of the press conference
10. SOUNDBITE 5 (Arabic): HASSAN AL-DAGHIM, Spokesperson for the Preparatory Committee of the National Dialogue Conference
11. various of the press conference

STORYLINE:

Preparations for Syria's National Dialogue Conference have officially begun, with organizers on Thursday emphasizing its inclusivity for all Syrians.

During a press conference in Damascus on Thursday, members of the preparatory committee of the conference stressed that the conference will ensure all perspectives are heard as the country seeks to build a stable and democratic state.

Huda Al-Atassi, a member of the preparatory committee, called the event a historic opportunity to shape Syria's future through an inclusive and responsible dialogue.

SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): HUDA AL-ATASSI, Member of the Preparatory Committee for the Syrian National Dialogue Conference
"The preparatory work for the National Dialogue Conference is now underway, marking the first true gathering of Syrians in 75 years."

SOUNDBITE 2 (Arabic): HUDA AL-ATASSI, Member of the Preparatory Committee for the Syrian National Dialogue Conference
"The conference is committed to including all segments of the Syrian people, from various provinces and communities, to ensure genuine participation that reflects the country's social and political diversity. This aims to establish a comprehensive dialogue that transcends barriers and divisions."

SOUNDBITE 3 (Arabic): HUDA AL-ATASSI, Member of the Preparatory Committee for the Syrian National Dialogue Conference
"We are facing a historic opportunity to shape the future of Syria through a responsible national dialogue that strengthens the unity of Syrians and lays the foundation for a new era of understanding, consensus, and rebuilding."

Conference spokesperson Hassan Al-Daghim emphasized that participation will not be determined by religious or political affiliation but by national identity.

SOUNDBITE 4 (Arabic): HASSAN AL-DAGHIM, Spokesperson for the Preparatory Committee of the National Dialogue Conference
"Without a doubt, no one will be invited to the conference based on their religion, affiliation, institution, or party. Every Syrian will be invited simply for being a Syrian patriot, as sectarian and ethnic quotas have no place in the national dialogue agenda."

Al-Daghim underscored the need to move away from identity-based representation.

SOUNDBITE 5 (Arabic): HASSAN AL-DAGHIM, Spokesperson for the Preparatory Committee of the National Dialogue Conference
"There is no room for sectarian or ethnic quotas - an Arab represents a Kurd, and a Kurd represents an Arab. What matters is competence, technocratic expertise, love for the homeland, and the preservation of Syria's unity in both land and people. Every patriotic Syrian represents their fellow citizens."

The Syrian interim government has yet to confirm a date for the event.

The Syrian interim government announced Wednesday the establishment of a preparatory committee for the National Dialogue Conference. The committee is responsible for establishing the framework of the conference to ensure a successful dialogue.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Damascus.
(XHTV)