In this article, we are going to explore the topic of Damascus Declaration in detail. Throughout history, Damascus Declaration has played a crucial role in numerous contexts and situations. From its origins to its relevance today, Damascus Declaration has been the subject of study and debate by experts in the field. Through this article, we will immerse ourselves in the fascinating world of Damascus Declaration, exploring its different facets and discovering its impact on various aspects of society. We will delve into its historical importance, its contemporary implications and future perspectives related to Damascus Declaration.
2005 joint statement by Syrian opposition groups
This article is about a 2005 declaration of Syrian opposition figures. For the 2006 Lebanese–Syrian declaration, see Beirut–Damascus Declaration.
The Damascus Declaration (Arabic: إعلان دمشق) was a statement of unity by Syrian opposition figures issued in October 2005. It criticized the Syrian government of the Assad dynasty as "authoritarian, totalitarian and cliquish," and called for "peaceful, gradual," reform "founded on accord, and based on dialogue and recognition of the other."
The five-page document was signed by more than 250 major opposition figures as well as parties "both secular and religious, Arab and Kurdish." It was considered important that the statement included the Muslim Brotherhood group of Syria, in addition to secular groups. The statement called for a "fair solution for the Kurdish issue in Syria in a way insures the equality of Kurds with all other Syrian citizens".
Syrian journalist and activist Michel Kilo launched the declaration, after the Syrian writer and thinker Abdulrazak Eid had written its first draft. Riad Seif, another democracy activist, was the first signatory. The "five small opposition groups" signing the declaration were the Arab nationalist National Democratic Rally, the Kurdish Democratic Alliance, the Committees of Civil Society, the Kurdish Democratic Front and the Movement of the Future.
Twelve members of the Damascus Declaration National Council were sentenced to two and a half years in prison in October 2008.
