WASHINGTON, Jan. 3, 2025
/PRNewswire/ -- Today, a group of Syrian-Americans representing a
diverse coalition of organizations and communities, convened with
the Secretary of State Antony J.
Blinken to discuss Syria's
future following the historic fall of the Assad regime. Held at the
U.S. Department of State, the meeting signifies a pivotal step in
fostering collaboration between the U.S. government and the
Syrian-American community to address Syria's transition and recovery.
With the Assad regime's oppressive 54-year rule officially
ended, Syrians are navigating an unprecedented transition toward
freedom, unity, and democracy. The discussion addressed immediate
and long-term challenges critical to ensuring a stable, inclusive,
and prosperous Syria.
The key priorities discussed in the meeting included reopening
the U.S. Embassy in Damascus to
signal commitment to stabilization, lifting sanctions and promoting
economic recovery, ensuring humanitarian aid and equitable growth,
fostering unity by integrating the Syrian Democratic Forces,
addressing destabilizing actions by external actors and Israeli
incursions in Syria, and engaging
the Syrian diaspora in governance reforms. Additional focus was
placed on advancing transitional justice, supporting long-term
rebuilding, maintaining Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for
Syrians in the U.S., and fostering collaboration for Syria's democratic and economic recovery.
Syrian-Americans also highlighted the need to support a
comprehensive road map towards a constitutional process for the
ongoing political transition, and achieve an inclusive government
that meets the Syrian people's expectations. These measures aim to
address the scars of conflict while fostering hope, peace, and
progress.
The meeting featured a coalition of organizations and community
members, who have long championed the rights and futures of Syrians
globally. This dialogue represents a renewed partnership between
the U.S. government and Syrian-Americans, unified in their
commitment to rebuilding a free, democratic, and prosperous
Syria.
Wael
Alzayat CEO, Emgage
National Coordinator, American Coalition for Syria
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Rana Domat
Alkoutami
Vice President, Syrian Christians USA
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Jay
Salkini President & CEO, Tecore Networks
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Ismael Basha
President, Americans for Free Syria
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Qutaiba
Idlbi Senior Fellow, Atlantic Council
Senior Policy Advisor, American Coalition for Syria
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Suzanne
Meriden
Director of Community & Partner Relations, Syrian American
Council
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Farouk
Belal President, Syrian American Council
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Oubab Khalil
Entrepreneur
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Muhammad Bakr
Ghbeis Board Member, Citizens for Secure & Safe
America
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Jihad Makdissi
Syrian-American politician
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Yassar
Bitar Organizational Development Lead, Syrian American
Council
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Maher Sharafeddine
Writer
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SOURCE Syrian Americans