Patriarch John X of Antioch and All the East, together with Patriarch Joseph Absi of the Melkite Greek Catholic Church and representatives of the Syriac Orthodox Patriarch Ignatius Ephrem II, received the French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and his accompanying delegation at the Patriarchal Residence in Damascus.
The meeting focused on the latest developments in Syria, emphasizing the importance of a democratic Syria based on citizenship, equality, and human dignity. The discussion also addressed the need for education, the promotion of learning, and the initiation of a national dialogue that includes all components of society without sectarian or political discrimination. Such a dialogue should lead to a joint effort to draft a constitution that guarantees the rights and duties of all citizens.
The role of France and the international community in supporting the Syrian people at this critical juncture was highlighted, as was the importance of facilitating a political transition that allows for the representation of all national components. In addition, the discussion underlined the need to establish a legal, constitutional, and educational framework for citizenship, as well as the importance of a clear timeline for the coming phases that will consolidate stability, promote civil peace, and address the growing material needs of the population during this period.
