Ahmed al-Sharaa, the de facto leader of Syria, has called for the removal of international sanctions and the delisting of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) from global terrorist lists. Al-Sharaa, formerly known by the name Abu Mohammed al-Julani, leads HTS, which recently became the dominant force in the rebel alliance that toppled Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
Speaking to the BBC in Damascus, al-Sharaa stated that the sanctions targeting Syria should be lifted, as they were imposed on the previous regime. He argued that maintaining these measures punishes those who opposed Assad's government.
Al-Sharaa also addressed HTS’s classification as a terrorist organization. The group, previously affiliated with al-Qaeda before severing ties in 2016, remains on lists maintained by the UN, the US, the EU, and other international bodies. Al-Sharaa asserted that HTS has not targeted civilians or civilian areas and urged its removal from these lists.
Al-Sharaa announced plans to establish a committee of legal experts to draft a new constitution for Syria. He stated that any president or ruler must adhere to the laws set by this new framework. He declined to comment on cultural matters such as alcohol consumption, indicating these decisions would fall under legal discussions.
The leadership change occurred on December 8, when rebel forces entered Damascus and declared the end of Assad’s 24-year rule. Assad, whose family had been in power since 1971, fled the country and received asylum in Russia.
The transitional government is now led by Mohammed al-Bashir, who will serve as acting prime minister until March 1, 2025. Al-Bashir previously headed the opposition’s Salvation Government. The transitional leadership has outlined plans for political reform and rebuilding the country’s infrastructure.
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