Syrian interim Prime Minister Mohammad al-Bashir has called on Syrians abroad to return to the country, pledging to protect the rights of all communities.

In an interview with Italy’s Corriere della Sera on Wednesday, al-Bashir emphasized the importance of repatriating millions of Syrian refugees, stating, "Their human capital and expertise will contribute to Syria’s prosperity." He explained that the transitional government, though limited by the absence of interior and defense ministers, has been functioning through collaboration with general directorates.

Al-Bashir highlighted Syria's dire financial situation, noting, "There is not a single US dollar or any foreign currency in the state treasury—only the Syrian pound." He acknowledged the challenges of reconstruction but expressed optimism, citing a successful governance experiment in Idlib as an example of progress. He also confirmed that the transitional phase would last until March 2025.

The interim prime minister outlined three primary objectives for his government: Ensuring safety across all Syrian cities to enable citizens to resume normal life, encouraging Syrians abroad to return, emphasizing that a unified Syria has regained its freedom and dignity, and addressing the fragility of basic services, such as electricity, bread, and water, to improve living conditions.

Al-Bashir also announced plans for drafting a new constitution, with details to be unveiled during the constitutional process. He assured that the government would uphold the rights of all Syrian communities and ethnic groups.

The official Syrian news agency, SANA, quoted al-Bashir on Tuesday, saying that the interim government, composed of former ministers from the "Revolution Government," would operate until March 2025, maintaining security and stability while preventing state disintegration.

The transitional administration was established following a major shift in Syria’s political landscape. On December 8, members of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham appeared on Syrian state television announcing their control over Damascus and the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad’s regime.

In response, the opposition’s leadership appointed al-Bashir to lead the interim government, tasked with managing the transitional period and laying the groundwork for a new, representative government.

Constitution to take 6 months

Media reports have revealed that Syria's new constitution is expected to be drafted within six months, with the entire transitional process in the country set to conclude in 18 months.

Turkish newspaper Hürriyet, citing sources, said Wednesday, "A new constitution will be drafted within the first six months and will be submitted for a referendum during this period. Additionally, there will be a new population census and the voter lists will be updated."

The report highlighted that new political parties will be established in accordance with the new constitution.  

"Elections will subsequently be held under United Nations supervision, and the administration will be handed over to the party that succeeds in the elections," the report added.

"This will mark the official end of the interim administration. The entire process will be completed within 18 months, allowing the parties elected by the Syrian people to begin governing the country," the newspaper said. In preparation for this transitional phase, Syria's military operations administration has tasked Mohammad al-Bashir with forming a new government to oversee the transition. Al-Bashir later announced in a televised statement that he would temporarily serve as the prime minister until March 1, 2025.