Syria to Hold National Conference on Country’s Future After Assad’s Fall
Syria is set to hold a national conference in Damascus on January 4 and 5 to discuss the country’s future following the fall of the Assad government. Reports from various news outlets on Monday indicate that the conference aims to unify the nation and lay the groundwork for a new political era.
This landmark event marks the first pan-national conference since the dramatic regime change in the Arab country on December 8, when Ahmed al-Sharaa, leading the armed faction Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, played a key role in toppling the Assad government.
According to Turkish broadcaster A Haber, the conference is expected to announce the dissolution of all armed factions, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. Organizers plan to invite around 1,200 Syrians from both inside and outside the country. Additionally, 70 to 100 representatives from each province, encompassing a wide range of social groups, will participate.
A constitutional drafting committee is anticipated to be established during the conference, with proposals to form a new government within a month. Representatives from youth groups, women’s organizations, the clergy, and civil societies are set to contribute to the discussions.
Al-Jazeera reported that a preparatory committee would be formed ahead of the national conference.
The Syrian interim administration, led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, has not yet issued an official statement regarding the conference.
Syria to Build Ties with Gulf Nations
In related developments, the interim administration has pledged to strengthen ties with Gulf countries following high-level talks with a delegation from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), as reported by Saudi-owned Al Arabiya TV.
The delegation was led by Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya and GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi.
During a joint press conference with Gulf officials, Syria’s interim Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani expressed gratitude to Arab nations for their support during and after the country’s prolonged conflict.
“We want to reintegrate Syria into its Arab environment,” al-Shibani said, noting that the GCC delegation had been briefed on Syria’s future plans. “We look forward to strengthening our relationships with our Gulf brothers,” he added.
Al-Yahya emphasized the GCC members’ solidarity with Syria, underscoring the importance of respecting Syria’s sovereignty and supporting its stability.
“We reject any violation of Syria’s territorial integrity,” he stated, affirming the GCC’s commitment to supporting the Syrian people.
He also mentioned discussions with Syria’s de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa on revitalizing the country’s war-battered economy and called for the lifting of international sanctions.
Albudaiwi echoed these sentiments, stressing the council’s respect for Syria’s sovereignty and unity.
He endorsed a comprehensive political transition in Syria as essential for lasting regional stability. Additionally, Albudaiwi denounced any foreign interference in Syrian affairs, demanded Israel’s immediate withdrawal from the occupied Golan Heights, and condemned settlement expansions in the area.
(With input from Xinhua)
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
