Damascus: Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa said Monday that his government is taking concrete steps to build 'a new Syria' and is committed to transitional justice to ensure accountability for crimes committed against Syrians. Addressing a gathering at the Conference Palace in the capital, Damascus, on the first anniversary of Bashar al-Assad's fall, Sharaa said that from the 'first moment of liberation,' he toured the country's provinces to listen to people's concerns and demands.
According to Anadolu Agency, Sharaa stated that these consultations shaped a clear vision for Syria's future. He emphasized the aspiration for a strong state rooted in its history, looking toward a promising future, and reclaiming its place in Arab, regional, and international contexts. The president reiterated the government's commitment to transitional justice, highlighting its importance in ensuring lasting stability and accountability for those who violated laws and committed crimes against the Syrian people.
Sharaa further elaborated on the Syrian people's right to truth, accountability, and reconciliation, describing it as the foundation for the state's stability and a guarantee against repeated violations. He emphasized that this process is essential for restoring trust between citizens and the state.
In his address, Sharaa mentioned that Damascus has regained its role as the 'jewel of the East' after years of oppression. He accused the former Assad regime of attempting to erase Syria's identity and sow division among its people. The Syrian leader described the Assad era as a 'black page' in history, marked by lawlessness, corruption, and the deprivation of rights.
Sharaa announced a 'historic break' from this legacy, marking the start of a new phase focused on work, effort, and aligning words with deeds. He highlighted the government's efforts to present this new vision internationally, forming strategic partnerships to strengthen economic recovery and security reforms, including the unification of the armed forces into a professional national army.
Addressing the issue of missing Syrians, Sharaa called it a priority, emphasizing the commitment to seek the truth. He concluded by honoring those who participated in the uprising against the Assad regime, recognizing their sacrifices and contributions to the country's liberation.
Early Monday, mosques across Syria held 'victory chants' marking the first anniversary of Assad's fall, following a call by the Ministry of Religious Endowments. Cities and provinces, including Damascus, Daraa, Hama, Aleppo, Idlib, and Latakia, saw military parades with large public participation. For days, Syrians have been commemorating their liberation from Assad's rule, which they view as the end of a long era of brutal repression.