Anas Abdah, a member of the political committee of the Syrian Opposition Coalition (SOC), emphasized the importance of preserving state institutions, avoiding power vacuums, and ensuring national consensus.
In an interview with Huna Lebanon, Abdah unveiled a comprehensive plan for managing the transitional phase in Syria, highlighting that this phase brings unprecedented challenges and opportunities for rebuilding the country and laying the foundation for Syria’s future.
Abdah explained that “the current government is a caretaker administration until early March. During this period, preparations will be made to establish an inclusive transitional government to manage the transitional phase.”
Abdah pointed out that any transitional phase is one of the most critical periods for any country, especially given the accompanying shifts in power dynamics and political frameworks.
He stressed that the primary goal is to prevent any service disruptions or institutional collapse, noting that these institutions belong to the Syrian people, not the regime. He described the former regime as a group of individuals and criminals who dominated the state for decades. Thus, maintaining the continuity of institutions is a key guarantee for stability and preventing the collapse of the state.
He underlined the necessity of forming a transitional governing body that includes all parties and is responsible for managing the phase. He also highlighted the importance of preparing for a national conference that gathers all Syrian components to build national consensus.
Abdah elaborated that this conference would pave the way for a constituent assembly to draft a new constitution reflecting the aspirations of the Syrian people. Based on the principle of equal citizenship without discrimination, this constitution would then be presented for a public referendum.
He affirmed that “lasting peace cannot be achieved without justice.” The judiciary must implement clear criteria for the transitional phase, focusing on national reconciliation and learning from the experiences of other nations.
Abdah emphasized the need to hold criminals accountable and compensate victims while considering current realities and fostering civil peace.
He explained that Syria requires a massive national effort to rebuild what has been destroyed, adding that this process demands a major national strategy and would take 10 to 15 years.
Abdah also stressed the importance of attracting investments and fostering public-private partnerships, relying on support from Arab and foreign countries. He noted that Syrians possess a remarkable entrepreneurial spirit and initiative but need a secure environment and laws that protect everyone’s rights. This environment should encourage investment while safeguarding both investors and consumers.
He highlighted the significance of foreign relations, stating: “The new Syria needs a balanced strategy in its international relations, steering clear of alignment with any single party. The ultimate goal is to maximize benefits for the Syrian people while minimizing harmful foreign interference.”
Abdah also called for fair representation of minorities in transitional institutions, asserting that protecting their rights and ensuring their representation in the constituent assembly and transitional governance are fundamental. He added that the new constitution must include a social contract guaranteeing full equality among all citizens.
(Source: SOC’s Media Department)
