07.12.2025 11:25
Syrian President Ahmed Shara delivered a critical message at an event held in Doha, the capital of Qatar. Stating that they have received a five-year mandate through temporary constitutional arrangements, Shara said, "Syria will be a country built on elections and institutions. We will definitely hold general elections in four years."
Syrian President Ahmed Shara spoke at the 23rd Doha Forum held in the Qatari capital, Doha, under the theme "Justice in Action: From Promises to Progress."
Shara stated that Israel has carried out "over a thousand airstrikes and hundreds of ground violations" against Syria since December 8, 2024, and mentioned a recent attack in Beit Jin, in the rural area of Damascus, where many civilians lost their lives. He noted that Syria is working with international actors to ensure Israel withdraws from the territories it occupied after December 8, 2024, and said this demand has received broad support from other countries.
"THE 1974 AGREEMENT LASTED 50 YEARS"
Shara also reported that the United States is involved in negotiations with Israel. He stated that the 1974 agreement lasted for 50 years and continued, "Israel wants a demilitarized zone. But who will protect this zone? Israel constantly expresses concern about attacks against it. If there are no army and security forces, who will protect this zone? Negotiations are currently ongoing. Countries support Israel's withdrawal to the territories before December 8, 2024. Similar agreements regarding a demilitarized zone may either succeed or fail; this could lead us into a dangerous process."
Shara mentioned that no government has been able to achieve full consensus with all components of the population during transition processes, stating that there have been issues they absolutely will not accept in the past year, and that perpetrators have been held accountable before the law. Referring to the improved electricity service in the country, Shara said, "When we first arrived, electricity was provided for only 1.5 hours a day. Now this duration has increased to 12–14 hours. By the end of the year, we will reach a level of self-sufficiency."
"THE COUNTRY WILL GO TO ELECTIONS IN FOUR YEARS"
Shara announced that after the five-year transition period initiated in this context, the country will go to elections in four years. He emphasized that they are building Syria's future on a governance model based on institutions rather than individuals, stating that representation in the government is based on merit. Shara noted that the country has transitioned to a new administration following the ousting of the previous regime and expressed that the roadmap for the transition period has become operational. Reminding that the People's Assembly elections were conducted in accordance with the transition process, Shara said, "We will definitely go to general elections in four years."
"SYRIA IS MOVING TOWARDS ITS BEST CONDITIONS"
Shara, who stated that he was granted a five-year mandate with the temporary constitutional arrangement adopted after the national dialogue conference, expressed, "Syria will be a country built on elections and institutions." He mentioned that the country has been under isolation and economic blockade for many years, saying, "Today, millions of people are celebrating the fall of the previous regime in the streets. Syria is moving towards its best conditions."
Highlighting the importance of economic recovery, Shara reported that contacts are ongoing for the lifting of the Caesar Act sanctions with the United States, noting that the Trump administration supported this issue. He stated that the previous administration "increased inter-sectarian tensions" and mentioned that committees have been established to investigate crimes during the transition period, particularly focusing on violations in the coastal region and Sweida. Shara pointed out that the source of the events in both regions is the heavy legacy left by the ousted regime, stating that everyone is a victim of this fallen regime.