Syria's Al-Sharaa Plans HTS Dissolution, Four-Year Election After New Constitution

Dec 29, 2024, 09:54 AM

Ahmed al-Sharaa, the de facto leader of Syria, has announced that the dissolution of Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) will be declared at the upcoming National Dialogue Conference. In an interview with Al Arabiya, al-Sharaa outlined a transition period for Syria, indicating that the process of drafting a new constitution could take up to three years, while organizing elections might require four years. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive population census before elections can be held, aiming to establish a lasting political framework in the country. Al-Sharaa also expressed hopes that the incoming Trump administration would lift sanctions on Syria and not follow the policies of its predecessor. He highlighted Syria's strategic interests with Russia, describing it as the second most powerful country in the world, and stressed the importance of maintaining strong bilateral relations. Additionally, al-Sharaa noted positive statements from Saudi Arabia and mentioned the country's significant role and investment opportunities in Syria's future. He also called for Iran to reconsider its regional interventions, expressing a desire for a more positive Iranian role in the region.