Ahmed Al-Sharaa Emphasizes Rule of Law and State Institution Reform
NEW YORK — During a panel discussion at the Atlantic Council on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, Syrian leader Ahmed Al-Sharaa reaffirmed his government’s commitment to prioritizing the rule of law and strengthening state institutions over the next five years.
Al-Sharaa explained that the current Syrian vision for the upcoming phase is centered on preventing the concentration of power within individual frameworks. Instead, the focus is on empowering state institutions to fully exercise their constitutional and legal mandates.
Addressing the political and security climate, Al-Sharaa stated that the restoration of Syrian rights is a fundamental prerequisite for achieving lasting regional peace. He highlighted ongoing security challenges and Israeli incursions, emphasizing that Syria is pursuing a diplomatic path for dialogue. This includes engagement with various international and regional stakeholders. He noted that discussions with the Israeli side are currently focused on a return to the 1974 borders and the establishment of a security agreement as a primary step. He reiterated that the occupied Golan Heights remains indisputably Syrian territory, a position supported by widely recognized international resolutions.
Regarding the military landscape, Al-Sharaa outlined a strategic shift aimed at clearing the country of foreign military bases. He specified that any future foreign military presence must be defined by a legal framework approved by the People’s Council. He announced that understandings have been reached with Russia to reduce the number of Russian military bases in Syria to two, which will be repurposed as training centers for the Syrian army. Furthermore, he noted that discussions are ongoing with Turkey to establish a legal framework for its military presence in northwestern Syria. He emphasized that, in the near term, Syria does not require the presence of foreign military bases.
On the economic front, Al-Sharaa unveiled a strategic project to construct an oil pipeline connecting Iraqi fields to Syrian ports. This initiative is designed to provide a secure corridor for Iraqi oil exports, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. He also commended the relationship with the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, acknowledging its role in supporting stability in Syria and assisting in the integration of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) with the Syrian state.
Finally, concerning the issue of missing persons, Al-Sharaa announced the formation of a special commission to locate those who have gone missing over previous eras, noting that approximately 250,000 Syrians remain unaccounted for. He expressed sympathy regarding the case of American journalist Austin Tice and indicated that preliminary steps are being taken to address this file with the assistance of international expertise. Al-Sharaa concluded by stressing that the primary objective of the Syrian leadership remains service to the people and the development of the nation, transcending personal considerations of office.
Source: Syria Focus Arabic
