Syrian Prime Minister Mohammed Al-Bashir Promises Rights for All Peoples
In a significant interview with the Italian daily Corriere della Sera, newly appointed Syrian Prime Minister Mohammed Al-Bashir emphasized his commitment to ensuring the rights of all faiths and peoples in Syria. This statement comes in the wake of the recent overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad by the Islamist rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which has raised questions about the future governance of the country. Al-Bashir, a technocrat and former head of the administration in Idlib, stated, "The bad behavior of some Islamist groups has led many people, especially in the West, to associate Muslims with terrorism and Islam with extremism." He defended Islam as a "religion of justice" and assured that the new government would guarantee rights for all sects in Syria.
The Prime Minister outlined his government's priorities, which include restoring security and stability across the nation, as well as facilitating the return of millions of Syrian refugees who have fled the country during the prolonged civil war. He called on Syrians living abroad to return, stating, "Syria is now a free country that has earned its pride and dignity. Come back. We must rebuild, be reborn, and we need everyone's help."
Al-Bashir acknowledged the dire financial situation facing the new government, revealing that the country is grappling with enormous debt and a lack of foreign currency. He noted, "Our coffers are empty. In the vaults, there are only Syrian pounds that are worth little or nothing." Despite these challenges, he expressed confidence in the administration's ability to improve the situation, citing successful governance in Idlib as a model for the rest of the country.
The Prime Minister also touched on foreign relations, indicating that the new government would seek to establish connections with nations that have distanced themselves from the Assad regime. However, he refrained from commenting on potential peace talks with Israel or future relations with Iran and Russia, former allies of the ousted president.
