President of the Syrian Opposition Coalition (SOC), Hadi Al-Bahra, and his accompanying delegation held a meeting with several syndicates operating in the liberated areas at the SOC’s office in the town of Azaz in the Aleppo countryside, where they discussed the major challenges and difficulties facing the syndicates’ work.
Al-Bahra was accompanied by Vice President Abdel Majeed Barakat, who is also Director of the Syndicates, Unions, and Associations Working Groups, along with members of the political committee Bahjat Al-Atassi and Jihad Marae.
Representatives from various unions including engineers, nurses, teachers, doctors, academics, and the Free Syrian Students Union were in attendance. Al-Bahra was briefed on the recent activities of the syndicates and unions and emphasized the importance of each union fulfilling its specialized tasks to provide services efficiently to the people. He also stressed the necessity of enhancing cooperation between syndicates, unions, and the SOC.
In response to inquiries from the Syrian Academics Syndicate regarding the recognition of certificates issued by the Higher Education Council, Al-Bahra stated that mere communication with universities and ministries is insufficient. He emphasized the necessity for universities to adhere to global academic standards.
Al-Bahra noted that the SOC is awaiting responses from three Italian universities, with whom communication was initiated to provide training for Aleppo University students in liberated areas and issue internationally recognized certificates. He added that there is a plan to engage with additional universities, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing medical specialties and studies related to the food industry.
Al-Bahra commended the efforts of the syndicates and unions as he reaffirmed the SOC’s commitment not to interfere in their internal affairs but rather to support their representation of their respective segments. He expressed intentions to include union representatives in the SOC’s General Assembly to enhance coordination and cooperation.
Meanwhile, Vice President Barakat indicated that the function of syndicates and unions is to serve as a bridge between citizens and the authorities, emphasizing that the SOC’s plan of action does not involve interfering with the work and structure of unions, but rather supporting them to effectively represent their respective segments.
Barakat added, “Unions in all countries around the world have representation in parliament. Some unions have submitted proposals to the SOC to have representatives within it, and we are committed to overcoming all obstacles to achieve a positive outcome that serves the revolution.”
In their respective statements, representatives of the Health Syndicate outlined their efforts to improve health services in collaboration with the Ministry of Health in the Syrian Interim Government, emphasizing cooperation in the regulation of certifications and issuance of certificates for workers in the health sector.
The representative of the Teachers Syndicate highlighted the urgent need to improve cooperation and coordination with the Syrian Interim Government, advocating for the empowerment of the Teachers Syndicate and directing organizations to engage with it.
Similarly, the representative of the Medical Syndicate provided an overview of the Syndicate’s inception, explained the electoral and organizational processes, and discussed collaboration with the Ministry of Health in the Syrian Interim Government to standardize medical licenses and work permits across health directorates.
The representative of the Engineers Syndicate discussed the Syndicate’s founding, strategic plan, and societal role. They mentioned that following the February earthquake disaster, the Syndicate convened a conference resulting in the establishment of a disaster management authority and the formulation of building standards. They urged the SOC to regulate the engineering sector appropriately, especially concerning large construction projects in northern Syria that often fail to meet building standards or engage with the Engineers Syndicate.
The representative of the Academics Syndicate outlined the Syndicate’s objectives in serving civil society and supporting revolutionary institutions. They called for resolutions to issues such as the non-recognition of certificates issued by the University of Aleppo, the training of medical students in Turkish hospitals, and representation of the Syndicate within the Higher Education Council and the SOC.
Finally, the representative of the Student Union disclosed that the union comprises 13,900 students from the University of Aleppo out of 24,000 university students in northern Syria. They requested support for students and advocated for a reduction in university tuition fees affiliated with the Interim Government.
(Source: SOC’s Media Department)
