Today marks the beginning of the fifth round of the Syrian Constitutional Committee's meetings at the United Nations headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, where the parties are expected to discuss for the first time the fundamental principles of the constitution.
Syrian government negotiators and the opposition delegation are scheduled to meet in Geneva today, Monday, to conduct the fifth round of talks regarding a new constitution for the country. Earlier, UN envoy to Syria Geir Pedersen criticized the political process, noting that it has yet to bring about any real change on the ground in Syria or a genuine vision for the future, considering the accomplishments thus far to be "disappointing." He called for more serious efforts to see progress, particularly concerning the issue of detainees, urging both sides to engage in constructive dialogue. For his part, opposition delegation head Hadi Al-Bahra confirmed that the opposition is prepared with "complete papers and several proposals," most of which have been agreed upon, adding that the planned session will discuss the fundamental principles of the constitution, according to the previously set agenda.
Among the fundamental principles expected to be discussed in the upcoming round are equal citizenship rights, separation of powers, judicial independence, as well as the issue of Syrian refugees. Pedersen continues his shuttle diplomacy, with his latest discussions being with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov regarding the constitutional committee, just days before the start of the fifth round of the committee’s work.
The work of the Constitutional Committee began in November 2019 with meetings in Geneva. The committee consists of 150 members, with 50 representatives each from the Syrian government, the opposition, and civil society, and is expected to undertake the process of drafting a new Syrian constitution under UN supervision, as these talks are seen as a significant building block in the peace process to end the nearly decade-long war in Syria.
