The interim government of Syria, in comments made to Al Jazeera by spokesman Obaid Arnaut, has outlined its plans for establishing justice, reforming state institutions, and addressing security concerns following the removal of President Bashar al-Assad. A key component of the new government’s agenda is to rebuild trust in the rule of law.
Arnaut emphasized the establishment of special tribunals to prosecute individuals who “committed crimes against Syrians” under the Assad regime, specifically mentioning those responsible for the detention and torture of hundreds of thousands in Syrian prisons. He stated, “By holding criminals accountable, we aim to heal the deep wounds inflicted upon our society and pave the way for a more just and equitable future.”
The government also plans to purge corrupt officials from state institutions, dismissing and prosecuting employees who have “committed crimes and harmed the Syrian population.” However, those deemed “dedicated, professional, and loyal to their country” will be retained. The interim government aims to revitalize the country by creating job opportunities open to all Syrians, regardless of ethnicity or religion, focusing on rebuilding infrastructure and strengthening the economy domestically and internationally.
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Arnaut called for the lifting of long-standing sanctions on Syria, stating that they have severely harmed the population. He also announced that Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (Abu Mohammed al-Julani) would increase public servant salaries by up to 400 percent to address widespread economic hardship.
Addressing security concerns, Arnaut affirmed that security is a top priority, focusing on protecting property. While he did not offer specifics on how the government would respond to ongoing Israeli attacks and incursions into the Golan Heights, he stated that the government’s approach will be announced shortly and that ensuring Syria’s safety from external threats is paramount. He acknowledged public anger concerning the replacement of the Assad regime with what some perceive as increased Israeli aggression, stating, “People are angry and think that the regime has been replaced by the Israeli aggression. I currently have no further details on this matter,” he said. “Our primary goal is to ensure Syria is safe from any external threats.”
Source: Al Jazeera
