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Rudaw Net
31-03-2025
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
EU welcomes new Syrian government, stresses need for inclusive transition
Also in Syria Syria's Sharaa says new government cannot please everyone Syria's new cabinet draws criticism over controversial appointments Rojava says won't implement decisions of new 'exclusionary' government in Syria PYD confirms 'serious efforts' for Turkey-SDF ceasefire in northeast Syria A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The European Union on Monday welcomed the formation of Syria's new transitional government and expressed 'steadfast readiness' to cooperate with it, while urging the new Damascus leadership to uphold commitments of a 'a peaceful and inclusive transition." The EU 'is ready to engage with the new government in order to help tackle the immense challenges ahead,' read a statement from the EU External Action Service, stressing that 'the aspirations of all Syrians must be fulfilled.' It reaffirmed its support for the Syrian people, 'while making sure that the commitments of the new government towards a peaceful and inclusive transition are respected.' Additionally, the EU voiced steadfast support 'for a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned transition process, peaceful, inclusive of all components of Syrian society in their diversity, where comprehensive transitional justice ensures accountability for all crimes and meaningfully contributes to national reconciliation.' On Saturday, Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa appointed a 23-member cabinet, including four members from minority groups. However, the appointments have raised concerns as ethnic and religious groups said they were not consulted during the appointment process. The new cabinet also includes individuals who have been blacklisted by the UN and the US over ties to extremist armed groups. The EU remarks come days after German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock told Rudaw in an exclusive interview on Wednesday, that Germany and Europe 'are ready to help them [new leadership in Damascus] lift sanctions for reconstruction, but there must be a political process in which all parties and all actors participate,' Baerbock said. The remarks came after the EU in mid-March pledged around $2.7 billion in aid for Syria to help address the country's humanitarian crisis caused by years of war. Germany then pledged around $327 million to UN agencies and select organizations to assist Syria, while the UK pledged $200 million to provide food, healthcare, and education. Prior to that, in late February, the EU had suspended sectoral measures targeting Syria's energy and transport sectors and removed key banking and finance entities from its sanctions list. It stated that the measures aim 'to facilitate engagement with Syria' in key areas, as well as transactions essential for 'humanitarian and reconstruction purposes.' The EU also underscored that it would 'closely monitor the situation' in Syria and stressed that 'any [new] government formed must be inclusive, encompassing the [country's] various [ethnic and religious] groups.' It warned that if the new Damascus leadership 'does not head in the right direction, we are ready to reimpose the waivered sanctions.'
Rudaw Net
31-03-2025
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
Syria's Sharaa says new government cannot please everyone
Also in Syria Syria's new cabinet draws criticism over controversial appointments Rojava says won't implement decisions of new 'exclusionary' government in Syria PYD confirms 'serious efforts' for Turkey-SDF ceasefire in northeast Syria Syrian cancer patients face growing crises due to medicine shortages A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa said on Monday that Syria's new transitional government cannot satisfy everyone but that it will aim to reach a consensus. Sharaa on Saturday appointed a 23-member transitional cabinet without a prime minister that includes four ministers from minority communities in Syria, over three months after his Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) marched on Damascus and toppled the regime of Bashar al-Assad. 'We certainly won't be able to please everyone, and any steps we take won't reach consensus,' Sharaa told a crowd at the presidential palace in Damascus after Eid al-Fitr prayers. 'However, we must agree to the minimum extent possible.' The Kurdish-led administration in northeast Syria (Rojava) criticized Syria's newly-formed government on Sunday as 'exclusionary' and 'failing' to uphold diversity, stressing that they would not abide by its decisions. 'We have seen positive and reassuring reactions to the establishment of this new government, its composition, and the selection of ministers,' Sharaa said. 'Syria is today writing a new history for itself,' he affirmed. Following a swift offensive, a coalition of opposition groups led by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham, headed by Sharaa, in early December toppled the regime of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad. Sharaa was appointed as Syria's interim president in late January, after which he vowed to form an 'inclusive transitional government that would reflect Syria's diversity.' Upon announcing the new cabinet, Sharaa stated that 'at this historic moment, we mark the beginning of a new phase in our national journey' and 'advance toward the future we deserve with strong will and unwavering resolve.'
Rudaw Net
30-03-2025
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
Syria's new cabinet draws criticism over controversial appointments
Also in Syria Rojava says won't implement decisions of new 'exclusionary' government in Syria PYD confirms 'serious efforts' for Turkey-SDF ceasefire in northeast Syria Syrian cancer patients face growing crises due to medicine shortages Germany welcomes formation of new Syrian government A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa on Saturday appointed a 23-member cabinet, including four members from minority groups. However, the appointments have raised eyebrows as ethnic and religious groups say they were not consulted during the appointment process. The cabinet also includes figures who have been blacklisted by the UN and the US over ties to extremist armed groups. Following a swift offensive, a coalition of opposition groups led by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham, headed by Sharaa, in early December toppled the regime of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad. Sharaa was appointed as Syria's interim president in late January, after which he vowed to form an 'inclusive transitional government that would reflect Syria's diversity.' Upon announcing the new cabinet, Sharaa on Saturday stated, 'at this historic moment, we mark the beginning of a new phase in our national journey' and 'advance toward the future we deserve with strong will and unwavering resolve.' The sovereign portfolios Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani retained his position in the new cabinet lineup. Born in 1987 in Hasaka, Shaibani holds a Bachelor's in English literature from Damascus University and a Master's in political science and international relations from Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University. He is pursuing a doctorate in International Relations. Shaibani was a founding member of the Idlib-based Syrian Salvation Government in 2017 and served on HTS's Shura council - a traditional Islamic council that provides guidance based on religious principles. Syria's Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra will also continue in his role. A native of Hama province, Abu Qasra was born in 1984. He played a key role in the armed opposition against Assad and the HTS-led offensive that toppled him. He holds a degree in Agricultural Engineering from Damascus University and a master's degree from Idlib University. Sharaa promoted Abu Qasra to Major General in late December. Meanwhile, the ministry of interior has been assigned to Anas Khattab, a senior member of the Syrian opposition and founding member of the al-Nusra Front, which rebranded itself as the Jabhat Fatah al-Sham in 2016 when it split from al-Qaeda, and then again to HTS in 2017, when it merged with other factions. Khattab's name is not far from controversy as he was listed by the UN on its terrorism lists in September 2014 and by the US in December 2012. Another controversial figure that was assigned the Justice portfolio is Mazhar al-Wais. He is a top HTS judge who headed the Sharia Commission in Syria's eastern regions. The commission was established following the split of al-Nusra Front from the Islamic State (ISIS) in 2013. He was one of HTS's religious leaders and headed the Supreme Judicial Council of the Syrian Salvation Government. Ministeries led by minority members Despite a majority Sunni Arab ministers, Sharaa's new cabinet reportedly includes members from other Syrian ethnic and religious components. Mohammad Turko, reportedly a Kurd from the Kurdish-majority city of Afrin in northeast Syria (Rojava), was appointed as minister of education. Born in 1979, Turko holds a law degree from Damascus University and a doctorate from Leipzig University. He has written on child rights, citizenship, and education and has taught at several universities in Syria. Hind Kabawat, a Christian woman, was named Minister of Social Affairs. She holds degrees in economics, law, and a Master's in Law and Diplomacy from Tufts University in the US. Kabawat has been a prominent figure in the Syrian opposition since the 2011 uprising, holding leadership roles in the High Negotiations Committee and Geneva Negotiations Office between 2015 and 2022. Following the 2024 fall of Assad, she became a member of the National Dialogue Conference preparatory committee. Amjad Badr, a Druze, was appointed Minister of Agriculture. Born in 1969, Badr holds a doctorate in Agricultural Economics from Aleppo University. Ya'rub Badr, an Alawite, was named Minister of Transport. Born in 1959, he earned a doctorate in Transportation Sciences from Paris and served as the Regional Advisor for Transport and Logistics at the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA). He also served as Syria's Minister of Transport from 2006 to 2011. Despite the inclusion of some ministers from different backgrounds, the Kurdish-led administration in northeast Syria (Rojava) on Sunday criticized Syria's newly-formed government for 'allowing a single faction to maintain control,' saying that the country's ethnic and religious groups were neither involved in nor consulted in the distribution of ministerial portfolios. The Democratic Autonomous Administration in North and East Syria (DAANES) warned that any government that does not represent Syria's plurality will not be able to properly manage the country, stressing that it will not adhere to the decisions of the newly-appointed government. Other ministries The remaining ministers appointed are as follows: Minister of Communications Abdul Salam Haykal holds a degree in Political Science and International Relations from the American University of Beirut (AUB) and the University of London's School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS). Minister of Information Hamza al-Mustafa, born in 1985, holds a degree in political science. He was notably dismissed from his Master's program in Syria during the Assad era over his support for the Syrian uprising. He later earned a master's degree from the Doha Institute and a doctorate in social science from the University of Exeter Minister of Education Marwan al-Halabi, born in 1964, specializes in Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Surgery and has earned postgraduate diplomas from universities in France. A professor at Damascus University, he served as Head of the Department of Anatomy and Editor-in-Chief of the Damascus University Journal for Medical Sciences. Minister of Tourism Mazen al-Salihani, born in 1979, holds postgraduate degrees in Business Administration and Project Management and has led major hotel and resort developments in the Middle East, including in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Syria. Minister of Energy Mohammad al-Bashir, born in 1983, holds a degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Aleppo University and a Master's in Sharia and Law from Idlib University. He worked at the Syrian Gas Company before joining the revolution in 2011. He served as Prime Minister in the Syrian Salvation Government and later in the interim government. Minister of Economy Mohammad al-Shaar has worked in financial regulation and international banking and has taught economics at George Washington University. Minister of Local Administration and Environment Mohammad Anjarani, born in 1992, is a mechanical engineering graduate. He joined the Syrian uprising upon its debut and was arrested in 2011. He later held key administrative positions in the Syrian Salvation Government. Minister of Finance Mohammad Barniyeh, born in 1967,is a graduate of Damascus University's Faculty of Economics. He pursued further studies in the US at Kansas State and Oklahoma State universities. He trained at the Federal Reserve Bank in New York and worked as an economist at the Arab Monetary Fund. Minister of Sports Mohammad Hamoud, born in 1976, previously led the national basketball team to the Asian Cup qualifiers. He also worked in developing sports infrastructure in Idlib. Minister of Culture Mohammad Saleh, born in 1985, studied Linguistics at London Metropolitan University and earned a Master's in Translation from Westminster University. He worked in journalism, including at Qatar's al-Jazeera Network. Minister of Religious Endowments Mohammad Shukri, born in 1961, holds a doctorate in Sharia and Law from Beirut. He served as a preacher at Imam al-Shafi'i Mosque in Damascus. Minister of Administrative Development Mohammad Skaf, born in 1990, holds a Master's in Administration and a degree in Applied Mathematics. He has worked in public administration and budget management in northern Syria. Minister of Health Musab al-Ali, born in 1985, is a graduate of Homs University's Faculty of Medicine. He specialized in neurosurgery at Aleppo University before working in Germany. He is currently a consultant neurosurgeon. Minister of Public Works and Housing Mustafa Abdulrazzaq, was born in 1989, is a civil engineering graduate. He has worked in public administration and infrastructure projects in northern Syria. Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management Raed al-Saleh, born in 1984, has a background in business administration. He played a leading role in founding the Syrian Civil Defense (White Helmets) and has represented the organization at major international forums, including the UN Security Council. The premier While heads of ministries have been named, a prime minister has not been appointed as Sharaa is expected to lead the executive branch. In mid-March, Sharaa signed a 53-article constitutional declaration that centers on Islamic jurisprudence, which stipulates that the country's president must be a Muslim, and sets a five-year transitional period for the country. It also maintains the name of the country as the Syrian 'Arab' Republic. The interim constitution further grants Sharaa exclusive executive power, authority to appoint one-third of the legislature, and the ability to appoint judges to the constitutional court, the body responsible for holding him accountable. The constitutional declaration has been criticized by Kurds, Christians, and Druze in Syria for consolidating power in Sharaa's hands and not reflecting the diverse aspirations of the Syrian people. These communities have urged amendments to the interim constitution, warning that they would not participate in the new government without them.
Rudaw Net
30-03-2025
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
Rojava says won't implement decisions of new ‘exclusionary' government in Syria
Also in Syria PYD confirms 'serious efforts' for Turkey-SDF ceasefire in northeast Syria Syrian cancer patients face growing crises due to medicine shortages Germany welcomes formation of new Syrian government Syria's Sharaa announces new cabinet A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The Kurdish-led administration in northeast Syria (Rojava) on Sunday criticized Syria's newly-formed interim government as 'exclusionary' and 'failing' to uphold diversity, stressing that they would not abide by its decisions. Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa on Saturday announced his new 23-minister cabinet, which includes ministers from his former government. The Democratic Autonomous Administration in North and East Syria (DAANES) on Sunday rejected the new cabinet, claiming that it 'resembled its [caretaker] predecessor in failing to take Syria's diversity into consideration and allowing a single faction to maintain control.' It warned that any government that does not represent Syria's plurality will not be able to properly manage the country and pull it out of its crisis. The DAANES further noted that they will not adhere to the decisions of the new government in Damascus. 'We will not be concerned with implementing and executing decisions issued by it, as this insistence on repeating past mistakes will harm Syrians and will never launch a comprehensive political process that can provide solutions to the pending issues, problems, and crises Syria is experiencing,' their statement read. The Kurdish-led administration has previously criticized other actions taken by the interim government in Damascus, accusing it of marginalizing Kurds and other minorities. In early March, Rojava's ruling and opposition parties condemned Damascus for excluding the Kurds from the committee tasked with drafting Syria's constitutional declaration. Two weeks later, the Kurdish-led administration in northeast Syria (Rojava) strongly rejected the draft of the interim constitution, approved by Sharaa, as perpetuating policies of ousted dictator Bashar al-Assad's regime. Prior to that, the Kurdish opposition parties in mid-February slammed the exclusion of Kurds from a key committee tasked by Sharaa to prepare for a National Dialogue Conference aimed at discussing Syria's future. Importantly, the interim constitution and its drafting committee, as well as the National Dialogue Conference and its committee, drew criticism from other components of Syrian society, including the Druze and the Christians. Following a swift offensive, a coalition of rebel groups led by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) - headed by Sharaa - on December 8 toppled the Assad regime. Sharaa was in late January appointed as Syria's interim President. Upon his appointment, Sharaa vowed to uphold the rights of all ethnic and religious groups. However, the international community has repeatedly criticized the new leadership in Damascus for its treatment of Syria's minority groups.
Rudaw Net
30-03-2025
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
Germany welcomes formation of new Syrian government
Also in Syria Rojava says won't implement decisions of new 'exclusionary' government in Syria PYD confirms 'serious efforts' for Turkey-SDF ceasefire in northeast Syria Syrian cancer patients face growing crises due to medicine shortages Syria's Sharaa announces new cabinet A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Germany on Sunday welcomed the formation of Syria's new transitional government and said it is ready to assist Syrians in the recovery and state-building process. 'Germany welcomes the appointment of a new government. We stand ready to support the Syrians in healing their wounds and rebuilding their country,' Stefan Schneck, Germany's envoy to Syria, said on X. Syria's president Ahmed al-Sharaa announced his new cabinet on Saturday and described it as 'a new phase in our national journey' to recover and rebuild Syria after 14 years of brutal civil war. 'Inclusiveness, transitional justice, and openness to working with international partners are essential to fulfilling the revolution's aspirations for a new, free, and better Syria,' Schneck stressed. The new cabinet sees Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra retain their positions, but includes controversial figures such as US and UN-designated terrorist Anas Khattab, who was elevated from intelligence chief to interior minister, and top Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) Sharia judge Mazhar al-Wais as justice minister. After a rebel coalition led by Islamist Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) overthrew Bashar al-Assad's regime last December, they formed a transitional government headed by Sharaa (formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani). He vowed that the rights of all Syria's components would be protected under the new government, but has received criticism for the transitional constitution that cements authoritarian rule and is accused of excluding minority Kurdish, Druze, Christian, and Alawite communities from decision-making bodies. Kurds in the northeast and Druze in the south have advocated for the adoption of a decentralized and secular system. The interim constitution dictates a five-year transitional phase.
