Russia's Rivals Return Their Allegiance, Provisional Government Inducts Foreigners into Army, Prepares Major Action to Shape Future

On December 30, the opposition-led interim government in Syria made new moves in both foreign and domestic affairs, in an effort to stabilize the country after overthrowing President Bashar al-Assaad.

The Syrian interim government's military forces will include foreigners. (Source: Anadolu)

Regarding foreign affairs, Sputnik news agency reported that during a meeting with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiga, who is visiting Damascus, the head of the foreign affairs department of the Syrian interim government, Asaad al-Shibani, said that the government is ready to establish strategic relations with Kiev "in terms of politics , economy, society and science".

The statement was in response to Foreign Minister Sybiga when he affirmed that Kiev wants to restore diplomatic relations with Syria, and "stands side by side, ready to help the people of the Middle Eastern country".

In another meeting between al-Shibani and Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali al-Yahya, who is visiting Damascus, the Syrian diplomat called for the reopening of the Gulf state's embassy and the resumption of bilateral relations.

Internally, Syria is expected to hold a national dialogue conference on January 4-5, 2025, with the participation of 1,000 delegates from major factions and social sectors in the Middle Eastern country, to shape the country's future under the administration of an opposition-led interim government.

Delegates attending the conference will discuss "a series of decisions related to the three- to four-year transition period, such as "the establishment of a constitutional committee tasked with drafting a constitutional declaration and submitting this draft to a referendum".

The Nation newspaper quoted Mr. Mohammad Khaled, an official in charge of political affairs in the interim government in Syria, as saying that a committee responsible for organizing the national dialogue conference will be established in the next 1-2 days.

The national dialogue conference is expected to make a series of important decisions to determine Syria's future identity, including dissolving the Baath Party and reorganizing parliament, in addition to rebuilding all military and security forces.

The event could be the first national conference of Syria’s various political and sectarian groups after 13 years of conflict. Analysts say it will also be a key test of whether the new regime can deliver on its promise to unify the country in the post-Assad era.

Meanwhile, Arab News quoted a source saying that out of nearly 50 positions recently announced by the Syrian Ministry of Defense, at least 6 positions were held by foreigners.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/syria-doi-thu-cua-nga-duoc-hoi-dap-long-thanh-chinh-quyen-lam-thoi-dua-nguoi-nuoc-ngoai-vao-quan-doi-chuan-bi-hanh-dong-lon-de-dinh-hinh-tuong-lai-299231.html