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Ahmed al-Sharaa pledges justice for Syrian victims in inaugural address

by editor

In a significant first address to the nation following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad, newly appointed Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa reaffirmed his commitment to justice for the victims of the civil war. Al-Sharaa, who has effectively led the country since the fall of Assad, vowed to “pursue the criminals who shed Syrian blood and committed massacres and crimes.”

Transitional leadership and constitutional reforms

Designated as president for a transitional period, al-Sharaa’s appointment comes just seven weeks after he spearheaded the rebel push that culminated in Assad’s ousting. In his speech, he pledged to issue a “constitutional declaration” that would serve as a “legal reference” during Syria’s transition period following the suspension of the previous constitution. This announcement was preceded by a significant declaration from rebel military commander Hassan Abdul Ghani, who announced the annulment of Syria’s 2012 constitution along with the disbanding of the former regime’s parliament, military, and security institutions, as reported by the Sana news agency.

Al-Sharaa’s speech was directed toward all Syrian citizens, including refugees and families of those who have perished or disappeared during the tumultuous years of conflict. He acknowledged the sacrifices of all those who participated in the uprising, stating, “I owe my coming to power to every Syrian who took part in the uprising and tried to make a change.”

Plans for a national dialogue and future governance

In his address, al-Sharaa announced his intention to convene a “national dialogue conference,” emphasizing the importance of maintaining “civil peace” and Syria’s territorial integrity. This initiative aligns with the broader efforts to integrate various rebel factions into the state’s governance structures, a move that aims to stabilize the nation post-Assad. Al-Sharaa indicated that all opposition groups would be dissolved and merged into state institutions.

To facilitate governance during this transitional phase, al-Sharaa expressed plans to establish an interim legislative council, which will oversee the country’s administration until a new constitution is ratified. In a prior interview with Al Arabiya TV, he indicated that the timeline for new elections could extend up to four years, citing the need for a comprehensive census and the drafting of a new constitution, which could take up to three years to complete.

Al-Sharaa reiterated his commitment to a “national dialogue conference” aimed at gathering diverse segments of Syrian society. The backdrop of his leadership transition is marked by the brutal suppression of peaceful protests by Assad’s regime, which spiraled into a devastating civil war claiming over half a million lives and displacing 12 million people.

As the new administration seeks to navigate the complexities of governance and national reconciliation, the international community, particularly Russia, continues to play a pivotal role. During a recent visit to Damascus, Russian officials, including Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov, discussed strategies to restore trust with the Syrian populace through measures such as compensation, reconstruction, and recovery from the ravages of war.

Al-Sharaa’s leadership marks a profound shift in the Syrian political landscape, with hopes pinned on his administration to foster peace and stability in a nation long scarred by conflict.

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