Syria's Ahmed al-Sharaa declared transitional president

Syria's Ahmed al-Sharaa declared transitional president
Syria's Ahmed al-Sharaa declared transitional president

Syria's de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa was declared president for a transitional phase, tightening his hold on power less than two months after he led a campaign that toppled Bashar al-Assad.

Sharaa was also empowered to form a temporary legislative council for a transitional period and the Syrian constitution was suspended, according to an announcement made by the military command which led the offensive against Assad.

The decisions emerged from a meeting of military commanders who took part in the assault, a campaign spearheaded by Sharaa's Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group - a former al Qaeda affiliate.

Addressing the conference, Sharaa said the first priority in Syria was to fill a vacuum in government "in a legitimate and legal way."

He also said civil peace must be preserved through transitional justice and preventing displays of revenge, that state institutions - foremost among them military and security forces - be rebuilt, and that economic infrastructure be developed.

Sharaa has pledged to embark on a political transition including a national conference, an inclusive government, and eventual elections, which he has said could take up to four years to hold.

Announcement did not say when the new legislative body might be picked, or provide any new details for a timeline for the transition.

Sharaa was also authorized to form a temporary legislative council for the transitional phase which will carry out its task until a new constitution is adopted.

The announcements emerged during a meeting in Damascus attended by commanders of armed groups that fought alongside Sharaa's Hayat Tahrir al-Sham to oust Bashar al-Assad from power.

Sharaa has pledged to embark on a political transition including a national conference, an inclusive government, and eventual elections, which he said could take up to four years to hold.

The parliament elected under Assad last year was formally dissolved.

No timeline was given for the transition period, or for when a new legislative body might be picked.

Qatar, which backs the new administration, issued a statement welcoming the announcements.