13.03.2025 19:02
Syrian President Ahmed Shara signed a declaration that outlines the fundamental provisions of the interim constitution. The declaration grants the People's Assembly the authority to dismiss, remove, or reduce the powers of the president. The transition period is set for 5 years, and Shara has been given the right to declare a state of emergency.
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Syrian President Ahmed Shara signed the draft of the 44-article Constitutional Declaration prepared by experts.
"WE HOPE IT WILL BE A NEW HISTORY FOR SYRIA"
During the ceremony held at the People's Palace in the capital Damascus, Shara stated, "We hope this situation will be a good start for the Syrian people on the path of construction and development. We hope for a new history for Syria, where we replace ignorance with knowledge and pain with compassion."
"GUARANTEES PROPERTY RIGHTS, WOMEN'S RIGHT TO EDUCATION, RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN WORKING LIFE, AND POLITICAL RIGHTS FOR WOMEN"
The Experts Committee responsible for preparing the Constitutional Declaration stated in a press conference that it is determined to complete the necessary work since the committee was established, that the Constitutional Declaration is based on the results of the National Dialogue Conference, and that it stipulates freedom of thought, expression, information, publication, and press. It also emphasized the commitment to respect the unity of the land and people of the state and cultural characteristics. The committee expressed its desire to add a special section on rights and freedoms to create a balance between community security and freedom, stating that the Constitutional Declaration guarantees property rights, women's right to education, the right to participate in working life, and political rights for women.
THE ASSEMBLY CAN REMOVE THE PRESIDENT FROM OFFICE
According to the committee, while the importance, decisions, and independence of judges are emphasized in the declaration, the issue of removing the president from office, dismissing him, or reducing his powers is left to the People's Assembly. The People's Assembly also oversees the entire legislative process, while the executive authority is held by the President. The transition period is set for 5 years, and the President is granted the right to declare a state of emergency.
HERE ARE THE HIGHLIGHTED ARTICLES
The highlighted articles in the temporary constitution declaration are as follows:
- Article 1: The Syrian Arab Republic is a fully independent and sovereign state. Its geographical and political unity is indivisible, and no part of it can be relinquished.
- Article 2: The religion of the President is Islam, and Islamic law is the main source of legislation. Freedom of belief is guaranteed. The state respects all monotheistic religions and guarantees freedom of worship. However, this freedom must not violate public order.
- Article 6: All citizens have equal rights and obligations before the law. Discrimination based on race, religion, gender, or lineage is prohibited.
- Article 7: The personal statuses of religious communities are preserved and applied in accordance with their beliefs and sharia. They are regulated within the framework of existing laws.
- Article 8: The state regulates the national economy based on social justice, free competition, and the prevention of monopolies. It supports production sectors, encourages investment, and strengthens sustainable development by protecting investors.
- Article 13: The state guarantees freedom of expression, thought, press, publication, and media. These rights are regulated by law to protect public order and respect the rights of others.
- Article 14: The state recognizes the right to political participation and the freedom to establish parties based on national foundations. A commission will be formed to prepare the party law, and party activities will be suspended until this law comes into effect.
- Article 15: The state commits to protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms in accordance with international treaties and humanitarian norms.
- Article 16: The state protects the family as the foundation of society and commits to supporting motherhood and childhood.
- Article 17: The state commits to protecting the social status and active role of women and to protecting them against all forms of violence and discrimination.
- Article 18: The state commits to protecting children from abuse and mistreatment and ensuring their access to education and health services.
- Article 20: The People's Assembly is appointed by the President and performs legislative duties until a permanent constitution is adopted and new parliamentary elections are held.
- Article 27: The President is the head of state, the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, and the highest authority responsible for the governance of the country.
- Article 35: The judiciary is independent. Judges are bound only by the law and their conscience.
- Article 36: No crime or punishment can be applied without a legal regulation. Everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Extraordinary courts cannot be established.
Source: AA / IHA
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