ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Ahmed al-Sharaa on Thursday declares himself as the new president of Syria, outlining his plans for the country, including holding of "free and fair" elections and “completing the unity of Syrian territories.”
“We all acknowledge this is a transitional phase and part of a political process requiring genuine participation from all Syrians, both inside and outside, to build their future with freedom and dignity without exclusion or marginalization,” Sharaa said in his first speech to the nation after he was officially appointed as the new head of the country by commanders of armed groups that helped him topple Bashar al-Assad’s regime on December 8.
“We will work to form an inclusive transitional government representing Syria's diversity through its men, women, and youth, tasked with building new Syrian institutions until we reach free and fair elections. Based on my current mandate and the decision to dissolve the People's Assembly, I will announce a preparatory committee to select a mini legislative council to fill this void in the transitional phase,” he added.
Swathes of the Syrian land remain under the control of Kurdish-led forces, Druze and other armed groups.
Sharaa emphasized that he will do his best to bring all parts of the country under his rule.
“Completing the unity of Syrian territories - all of Syria - and imposing its sovereignty under one authority on one land, building strong state institutions based on competency and justice without corruption, favoritism, or bribery,” he said.
The new authorities in Syria on Wednesday held an unprecedented conference in Damascus, dissolving all armed groups and the country’s parliament and abolishing the country’s constitution.
