Al-Sharaa assumes presidency, outlines key priorities for Syria
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The de-facto leader of the new Syrian administration, Ahmad al-Sharaa lays out his government's key priorities for the country moving forward.
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Syrian leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, walks in the presidential palace ahead of his meeting with Walid Ellafi, Libyan minister of state for communication and political affairs, in Damascus, December 28, 2024 (AP)
Ahmad al-Sharaa, the head of the new administration in Syria, outlined Damascus's current priorities on Wednesday evening. Said priorities include filling the power vacuum, maintaining civil peace, building state institutions, and developing an economic infrastructure.
During a meeting with military operations factions, al-Sharaa emphasized that "what Syria needs today, more than ever, is the determination to build and develop."
Meanwhile, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani highlighted that Syria is pursuing a purposeful and multi-dimensional foreign policy aimed at reassuring the international community and clarifying its vision.
Al-Shibani stated that "the primary goal of foreign policy is to contribute to creating a regional and international environment characterized by mutual cooperation and respect."
Syrian media reported that the Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad, will visit the Syrian capital, Damascus, on Thursday to meet with al-Sharaa as the head of the new Syrian administration.
The Syrian Military Operations Department announced a series of sweeping changes on Wednesday, including the dissolution of key political and military institutions associated with the previous regime.
Speaking in an official statement, Colonel Hassan Abdul Ghani declared the dissolution of the Arab Socialist Baath Party and the National Progressive Front, effectively dismantling the political structure that had ruled Syria for decades.
Abdul Ghani also announced the dissolution of the former regime's army, stating that a new Syrian army would be rebuilt "on national foundations" to serve the country's interests.
Furthermore, he confirmed that Leader Ahmed al-Sharaa had assumed the presidency during the transitional phase and is now serving as the president of the Syrian Arab Republic.
The statement also outlined major constitutional changes, including the dissolution of the People's Assembly and its affiliated committees, along with the cancellation of the 2012 Constitution. The transitional leadership will authorize the President of the Republic to establish a temporary legislative council to oversee governance until a permanent constitution is approved.
Abdul Ghani added that all military factions, as well as political and civil revolutionary bodies, will be dissolved and integrated into state institutions as part of efforts to unify governance and establish stability.
