SYRIA’S ONGOING CHALLENGES, NEW ELECTIONS: AL-SHARAA OUTLINES TIMELINE

Sun 29 December 2024:

“I don’t consider myself a Syrian liberator but everyone who offered sacrifices liberated the country,” he said, adding that the Syrian people saved themselves.

In an interview with Saudi Arabia’s Al Arabiya television, Shara addressed the nation’s ongoing challenges, the transition to constitutional governance, and future elections.

Al-Sharaa, who led the opposition offensive that toppled Bashar al-Assad earlier this month, highlighted efforts to minimize casualties and displacement during the transition, describing the handover of power as “as smooth as possible.” He also stated that a liberated Syria would ensure security for the region and the Gulf for the next 50 years.

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Preventing PKK/YPG influence in Syria

Al-Sharaa emphasized that Syria will not allow the PKK to use its territory as a launchpad for attacks. He underscored that the Kurdish population remains an integral part of Syria and asserted that national unity would be preserved.

Discussing ongoing negotiations with the group operating under the YPG banner, al-Sharaa revealed efforts to resolve the northeastern crisis and integrate these armed groups into the Syrian military structure.

Political transition and prospects for elections

Ahmed al-Sharaa stated that drafting a new constitution could take up to three years, with elections potentially being held within four years. He highlighted the importance of conducting a comprehensive census to ensure fair and transparent elections.

The leader expressed confidence that a stable and self-sufficient Syria would contribute to regional stability over the next five decades.

Addressing internal governance, security

Ahmed al-Sharaa stressed the importance of smooth governance during the transition period. He noted that unified appointments to government institutions are essential for operational harmony and reiterated that all criminals would be held accountable under the law.

He also addressed the militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), stating that it would be officially disbanded, with this decision expected to be announced during an upcoming National Dialogue Conference.

Syria and Iran

On Iran, al-Sharaa urged Tehran to reconsider its regional policies and interventions, emphasizing that opposition forces safeguarded Iranian positions in Syria during the offensive that led to al-Assad’s downfall.

He noted that opposition fighters took this approach despite Iran being one of al-Assad’s primary backers. Al-Sharaa added that he had expected positive gestures from Tehran in response to these actions, but such gestures have not materialized.

On international relations, Shara called on the United States to lift economic sanctions on Syria and urged Iran to reassess its regional interventions.

He acknowledged the strategic importance of Russia’s presence in Syria and expressed a desire for Moscow to manage its exit in a way that aligns with its historical ties to Damascus.

Shara also remarked on the shifting geopolitical dynamics following the fall of the previous regime, noting that Iran had lost a key regional ally and a vital supply corridor to Hezbollah.

Syria-Saudi Arabia relations

Al-Sharaa praised recent Saudi statements as “very positive,” commending Riyadh’s efforts toward stabilizing Syria.

“Saudi Arabia has a major role in Syria’s future, and I take pride in everything it has done for us,” he said, adding that he spent his early childhood in Riyadh and hopes to visit the city again.

Al-Sharaa said the Kingdom has major investment opportunities in Syria.

Syria and Trump Administration

Al-Sharaa expressed hope that the new US administration under Donald Trump would lift sanctions on Syria “We hope the incoming Trump Administration will not follow the policy of its predecessor,” al-Sharaa told Al Arabiya News.

Meanwhile, he criticized the United Nations for its lack of action in Syria. “The United Nations has failed to secure the release of a single detainee or facilitate the return of a single refugee,” he said.