Syrian transitional government: Freezing the constitution and parliament for 3 months

Spokesman for the Political Affairs Department of the Syrian Interim Government, Obeida Arnaout, announced on Thursday the freezing of the constitution and the suspension of parliament during the transitional period, which will last for three months.

Arnaout said from the headquarters of the General Authority for Radio and Television in Damascus, “During a meeting of the ministers of the Syrian Salvation Government with the former ministers in order to hand over powers, it was agreed that this phase will continue for three months, and during this period the constitution and parliament will be frozen”.

He pointed out that a legal and human rights committee will be formed to review the constitution and make the necessary amendments.

He stressed that current priorities include protecting institutions, preserving official documents, and improving the level of services.

It is noteworthy that the previous regime approved a new constitution in 2012 after a popular referendum, according to which it abolished the leadership role of the Baath Party and added an article stipulating political pluralism instead of Article 8, which gave the party leadership of the state and society.

In a related context, Muhammad al Bashir, who headed the Salvation Government in Idlib, was assigned to head the transitional government until the beginning of next March.

Arnaout explained that current priorities include preserving national institutions and ensuring respect for the rule of law.

He stressed that all Syrian citizens will regain their rights and freedom during this transitional period.

Regarding the symbols of the former regime, Arnaout stressed that accountability will be in accordance with the law, adding, “Justice cannot be achieved without accountability”.

He stressed the interim government’s respect for cultural and religious diversity in Syria, explaining that religious freedoms will remain as they are without any change.

These developments come after the Syrian opposition factions led by Hay’at Tahrir al Sham announced on Sunday that they had taken control of Damascus after a lightning attack that began on November 27, which led to the overthrow of the Assad regime.