Syria’s new government has announced the suspension of the country’s constitution and parliament for a three-month transitional period following the ouster of President Bashar Assad. The decision was made as the country undergoes a significant power shift, marking an end to Assad’s authoritarian rule.
Obaida Arnaout, the newly appointed government spokesman, stated that this transitional phase is crucial for reshaping Syria’s political framework. “A judicial and human rights committee will be established to examine the constitution and then introduce amendments,” Arnaout told AFP. The new leadership aims to create a governance system that upholds justice and the rule of law.
Mohammed Al-Bashir Named Transitional Prime Minister
The Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham, which led the takeover of Damascus on Sunday, has appointed Mohammed Al-Bashir as Syria’s transitional prime minister. Al-Bashir previously led the “Salvation Government” in the militants’ northwestern stronghold of Idlib. He will serve in this role until March 1, overseeing the transitional government’s operations and working toward political stabilization.
Transfer of Power Underway
Arnaout confirmed that a meeting between the newly appointed ministers of the Salvation Government and former ministers of Assad’s administration would take place on Tuesday. This meeting will formalize the transfer of power and set the stage for the transitional government to operate effectively.
“Our priority is to preserve and protect institutions,” said Arnaout, emphasizing the importance of maintaining stability during the transition. Despite the rapid change in leadership, the new government has pledged to respect Syria’s institutional framework and ensure continuity in governance.
Constitutional Amendments in Focus
Syria’s current constitution, which dates back to 2012, will undergo a comprehensive review by the newly formed judicial and human rights committee. The existing constitution does not declare Islam as the state religion, and the new government has not clarified whether this provision will change. However, Arnaout reassured citizens that religious and cultural diversity would be respected, maintaining a level of continuity in societal values.
Accountability for Past Crimes
Addressing the nation from the state television headquarters, now controlled by the new authorities, Arnaout pledged to institute the rule of law and hold perpetrators of crimes accountable. “All those who committed crimes against the Syrian people will be judged in accordance with the law,” he declared. This commitment reflects the new government’s intent to deliver justice for the grievances suffered under Assad’s regime.
A New Chapter for Syria
The ouster of Bashar Assad, a follower of the Alawite offshoot of Shiite Islam, signals a dramatic shift in Syria’s political landscape. Assad’s two-decade rule was marked by authoritarian control and a brutal civil war that left the country deeply divided. The new leadership, emerging from a Sunni-majority background, has vowed to respect Syria’s religious and cultural diversity while prioritizing national unity.
The three-month transitional period is expected to be a critical time for Syria, as the new government works to restructure its political institutions and lay the foundation for a more inclusive and just governance system. While uncertainties remain, the new leadership’s promises of accountability and respect for diversity offer a glimmer of hope for a nation long plagued by conflict.
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