Iran repeatedly urged al-Assad to tend to people's demands: Ghalibaf
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Speaking on the situation in Syria, Ghalibaf says Martyr Qassem Soleimani frequently advised former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to address his people's demands.
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Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf addresses a meeting with university students in Tehran on December 8, 2024. (ICANA)
Martyr Qassem Soleimani reportedly advised former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to tend to his people's needs, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf recalled on Sunday.
During a meeting with university students in Tehran, Ghalibaf admitted that "Martyr Soleimani repeatedly told Bashar al-Assad that he should pay attention to his people, because apart from ISIS, some of the opposition were armed protest groups who were discussed even at the Astana meetings, and had certain concerns."
Iran, in this context, focused on confronting ISIS rather than addressing the other marginal groups.
Ghalibaf reiterated that Iran respects any decision made by the Syrian people, adding that steps would be taken based on the new government that would be formed. Likewise, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stressed that opposition factions in Syria must be open to dialogue, emphasizing that the Syrian people should have the power to determine the future of their country and political system.
Consequently, Iran's top parliamentarian stated that if the new government in Syria distances itself from extremist ideology and refrains from engaging with the Israeli regime, Iran would work toward fostering unity among Muslim nations.
HTS leader Abu Mohammad al-Jolani said Sunday that Syrian state institutions would be supervised by current Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali until a transition of power takes place. Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham, headed by al-Jolani, said it would work with the prime minister and called on Syrian military forces in Damascus to stay away from public institutions.
Syrian opposition proposes 18-month transition plan prior to elections
Meanwhile, Hadi al-Bahra, the head of Syria's main opposition abroad, told Reuters that Syria should undergo an 18-month transition period to create "a safe, neutral, and quiet environment" for free elections.
Al-Bahra, the president of the Syrian National Coalition, proposed on Sunday that Syria should draft a new constitution within six months, with a referendum serving as the foundation for the first election under the new framework.
"The constitution will say, are we going to have a parliamentary system, presidential system, or mixed system? And based on this, we do the election and the people choose their leader," al-Bahra explained.
He emphasized that the opposition had urged state employees to continue reporting to work during the transition period, assuring them of their safety and protection.
Earlier on Sunday, the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates announced the beginning of "a new chapter" in the country's history, signifying the launch of a national charter designed to foster unity among Syrians and overcome divisions.
The initiative, as per the ministry, seeks to establish a cohesive nation founded on principles of justice and equality, ensuring that all citizens are granted their rights and fulfill their responsibilities.
Read more: UN Syria Envoy: Millions of Syrians seek transitional arrangements
