DAMASCUS, Syria — A spokesperson for the committee organizing a national dialogue conference in Syria indicated on Friday that it remains undecided whether the event will occur prior to or following the establishment of a new government. The specifics regarding the conference’s date are still under consideration, with Hassan al-Daghim, the spokesperson, emphasizing in an interview that the timing will be shaped by the public’s input.

 
Al-Daghim noted that if a transitional government takes shape before the conference, it would be viewed as a normal occurrence. Conversely, he mentioned that the interim government’s mandate could be extended until the conclusion of the national dialogue. The focus of the conference is expected to be on several critical areas, including constitutional drafting, economic strategies, transitional justice, institutional reforms, and the government’s approach to the Syrian populace. He stressed that the outcomes of the dialogue would lead to non-binding recommendations aimed at informing the future leaders of the country.

 
The spokesperson added that these recommendations are not merely advisory but are anticipated to guide the president of the republic in future decisions. Following the ousting of former President Bashir Assad during a rapid rebel offensive in December, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the primary rebel faction currently governing parts of Syria, initiated an interim administration mainly composed of members from its existing “salvation government” that had been active in northwestern Syria.

 
At that time, there were commitments to establish a new government through a process inclusive of various factions by March. Subsequently, in January, Ahmad al-Sharaa, a former HTS leader, was appointed Syria’s interim president after a meeting that included various former rebel groups. During that meeting, these factions decided to repeal the existing constitution and dissolve the previous national army, security services, and political parties. Importantly, the armed entities present agreed to disband and integrate their members into a newly formed national military and security apparatus, while the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, which has considerable influence in northeastern Syria, noticeably did not participate.

 
There is mounting international pressure for al-Sharaa to uphold pledges of a comprehensive political transition. Recently, the U.N. special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, suggested that establishing a “new inclusive government” by March 1 could significantly impact future discussions regarding the lifting of Western sanctions and rebuilding efforts in the country.

 
In discussing the January meeting’s decisions, al-Daghim highlighted their focus on pressing security matters that affect all citizens, indicating that these critical issues could not afford delays in the name of pursuing an inclusive process. In the lead-up to the national dialogue, the preparatory committee has convened discussions across various regions in Syria to gather insights. According to al-Daghim, there is a prevailing consensus on the necessity for transitional justice and national unity, coupled with a strong opposition to topics such as quotas and federalization.

 
However, al-Daghim acknowledged disagreements regarding prioritization among different regions. For instance, in coastal cities like Latakia and Tartous, there are concerns over low government salaries, while areas like Idlib and parts of Damascus, heavily damaged over nearly 14 years of conflict, prioritize reconstruction.

 
The total number of participants expected for the national conference is still undecided, with estimates ranging from 400 to 1,000 individuals to be invited, including religious leaders, academics, artists, political figures, and civil society members, which may also comprise some of the millions of Syrians displaced abroad. The committee has committed to ensuring that the dialogue represents all communities within Syria, though individuals associated with Assad’s administration and armed groups that refuse to disband, particularly the SDF, will not be invited.

 
Nonetheless, al-Daghim affirmed that Kurdish groups would have representation in the conference, even in the absence of the SDF, stating, “The Kurds are a component of the people and founders of the Syrian state. They are Syrians wherever they are.”