In an interview with MTV Uutiset, Omar Abdulaziz Hallaj shared his insights on the ongoing conflict in Syria and the path towards peace. Mr. Hallaj manages The Syria Initiative; a peace-building project supported by Finland and collaborates with local organizations to support Syrian peace activists. Mr. Hallaj's visit to Finland highlights the growing grassroots peace activism around the Syria crisis.

Syria's conflict, now in its fifth year, has led to immense human suffering. Nearly half of the Syrian population has been displaced, about 250,000 lives have been lost, and over 13 million people require humanitarian assistance. Peace negotiations are challenging, with no immediate resolution in sight.

Mr. Hallaj emphasizes that peace efforts in Syria involve more than formal negotiations. Many organizations are working behind the scenes to ensure access to humanitarian aid for all conflict parties. Local leaders and communities are also actively engaging in dialogue to promote peace.

The Syrian conflict involves multiple factions, including Bashar al-Assad's regime, secular opposition forces, and the extremist group ISIS. Mr. Hallaj points out that activists from various sides are engaged in peace-building efforts. However, he notes a significant challenge: the polarized views on Syria's future, with many people holding firmly to their positions.

Mr. Hallaj’s work aims to bridge these divides by bringing different parties together. He believes that the best solutions will emerge from Syrians talking to each other. He also stresses the importance of international support for Syrian-led peace initiatives, noting a positive shift in the international community's approach.

A significant milestone in the peace process was the Vienna Agreement, involving extensive talks by world leaders, the EU, and the UN. The plan includes starting peace negotiations in early January and aims for a ceasefire. Mr. Hallaj views these high-level talks as crucial but underscores the importance of grassroots involvement in peace-building. He concludes with a message of hope, acknowledging the difficult journey ahead but reaffirming his belief in the possibility of peace in Syria.