Constitutional Committee Concludes Second Day of Seventh Session

Geneva

The Small Body of the Syrian Constitutional Committee concluded the work of its second day of the Seventh Session on Tuesday 22 March 2022. The principle of the state identity and proposed constitutional texts related to the topic were discussed in the two meetings that was held among the three delegations.

The first meeting of the Committee had been held on Monday, where the three delegations discussed the principle of basics of governance. SNC representatives presented their proposed draft on that principle and the foundations on which it is based, and listened to the observations and suggestions of the other parties and responded to them.

In regard to the sessions of the second day, the Co-Chair of the Constitutional Committee, Mr. Hadi Albahra stated the following: “meetings of the second day of the Constitution Committee were held as scheduled. The proposed draft on the principle of state identity in its broad sense was discussed. A number of members from the civil society group within the Committee presented their proposal. The concept was discussed and the SNC delegation presented its detailed observations on that paper. They are supposed to amend their proposal according to the remarks made, provided that the amended paper will be presented again next Friday.”

Albahra added, “Over the next two days, proposed drafts regarding state symbols and structure and function of public authorities. On Friday, the amended drafts proposed by the parties will be presented, hoping that the views around these points are drawn closer together in view to try to reach consensus on a unified draft for each of these four principles.”

. On the fourth day, our representatives will present the proposed draft regarding the organization and work of public authorities, and I reiterate the need for committee members from all parties to make efforts to amend the drafts which they submitted during the first four days of meetings to be presented in their amended form on the last day of meetings, drawing views closer together in view to try to reach consensus on a unified draft for each of these four principles.”

He concluded that “Syrians are looking forward to fulfilling the mandate and terms of reference as soon as possible, as it will constitute a gateway to achieving a political solution that leads to the full and strict implementation of Security Council Resolution 2254.”

The work of the Seventh Session of the Syrian Constitutional Committee continues until the end of this week. It is scheduled that the UN Special Envoy for Syria, Mr. Geir O. Pedersen, is supposed to hold a press conference at the end of the Session. The Co-Chair of the Committee, Mr. Hadi Albahra will hold a press conference as well.