The Damascus Declaration for National Democratic Change

The National Council

The National Council is the Damascus Declaration's legistlative body. It is composed of 250 leading opposition members who represent local constituencies. Its membership is drawn from every Syrian province and from every sect, ethnic group and political leaning united by a desire to bring about peaceful, democratic change. It held its first meeting on 1 December 2007 in Damascus. The National Council acts as a legitimizing body for the policies and activities of the political forces signed up to the Damascus Declaration. Some have identified it, not incorrectly, as a shadow parliament to the B'ath-dominated and unrepresentative People's Assembly. Through voting, the National Council would have the final say in decisions of strategic importance for the democratic movement in Syria. Parties and individuals affiliated to the Damascus Declaration would have to abide by its decisions.

Office of the National Council

The Office of the National Counci moderates debates, makes rulings on procedure, announce the results of votes, and has the powers to suspend members. To stress its progressive nature, the National Council elected a woman, Dr Fida Horani, as its Chairman. She is the highest authority in the National Council. Her two deputies are Abdul-Hamid Darwish and Abdul-Aziz Al-Khayir. The Office also has two secretary-generals: Ahmad Toma and Akram al-Bunni. Since overseeing the first meeting of the National Council on 1 December 2007, Dr Fida Horani and her two secretary-generals have been illegally detained by the Syrian regime. They are imprisoned awaiting trial for sedition.

Secretariat-General

To direct the implementation of the Damascus Declaration's plan for peaceful, democratic change, the National Council elected a 17-person Secretariat General. The Secretariat General is the Damascus Declaration's executive arm. It is made up of 17 members, 14 of which are elected and 3 are nominated by quota. These 17 members are popular leaders in their communities, representing a large swath of the Syrian population. The Secretariat General is headed by ex-member of parliament Riad Seif who was elected unanimously. The General Secretariat includes among its members Muslims, Christians, Alawis and Kurds. The Secretariat General brought to the fore a new generation of opposition leaders who are more in-tune with the demands of modern politics. Five members of the Secretariat General, including its president Riad Seif, have been arrested since its launch in December 2007. They are charged with sedition and spreading false information.