Mohammed al-Bashir led a meeting with ministers from both the transitional and former governments in Syria. The prime minister of the new transitional government emphasized the importance of stability and calm following the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad. Al-Bashir, formerly in charge of the rebel administration in the north-west, was appointed to govern until 2025 by the Islamist militant group Hayat Tahir al-Sham (HTS) and its allies. He chaired a meeting in Damascus to discuss the transfer of portfolios and institutions with members of his new government and those from Assad’s former cabinet. The UN envoy for Syria urged the rebels to turn their “good messages” into action on the ground. The US secretary of state expressed support for a future Syrian government that emerges from a credible and inclusive process respecting minorities. Al-Bashir, previously little known outside HTS-dominated areas, was appointed prime minister of the Salvation Government (SG) in January. The SG functioned as a state with ministries, local departments, and security authorities, guided by Islamic law. Al-Bashir convened meetings to restart institutions and facilitate the transition for the Syrian people. Rebel forces also gained control of the city of Deir al-Zour, while life in Damascus slowly returned to normal after days of unrest.UN special envoy Geir Pedersen emphasized the need for a transition that includes a broad spectrum of Syrian society to avoid new conflict. The designation of HTS as a terrorist organization could complicate efforts for peace. Pedersen acknowledged the positive messages of unity and inclusiveness sent by HTS and other armed groups, but stressed the importance of inclusive transitional arrangements in Damascus. “Y entonces creo que la comunidad internacional volverá a mirar la lista [terrorista] de HTS”, añadió.
Más tarde, el Secretario de Estado de EE. UU., Antony Blinken, en efecto expuso una serie de condiciones que, si se cumplen, harían que Siria disfrute del pleno reconocimiento de Washington.
“Es imperativo que todos los actores involucrados protejan a los civiles; respeten los derechos humanos, especialmente de las minorías vulnerables; preserven las instituciones del estado, sus servicios para ayudar a satisfacer las necesidades del pueblo sirio; y construyan hacia un gobierno inclusivo”, dijo.
“Las declaraciones de los líderes rebeldes en este sentido son muy bienvenidas, pero por supuesto, la medida real de su compromiso no es solo lo que dicen sino lo que hacen.”
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