UN welcomes first session of Syria’s new People’s Assembly
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – The United Nations on Sunday welcomed the inaugural session of Syria’s new People’s Assembly, describing it as a key milestone in the country’s political transition following the ouster of former President Bashar al-Assad.
In a post on X, Claudio Cordone, Deputy Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Syria, said the opening of the new parliament marked an important step in Syria’s transition and underscored the legislature’s role in advancing urgent reforms.
“I welcome the opening session of Syria’s People’s Assembly – a key milestone in the country’s political transition,” Cordone wrote.
“The parliament has a vital role in passing urgent legislation in this critical phase,” he said. “We will follow its work closely and stand ready to support.”
The UN official’s remarks came as Syria’s newly formed legislature convened for its first session in Damascus since Assad’s government was toppled in December 2024, formally launching the country’s transitional legislative authority.
During the inaugural session, lawmakers took the constitutional oath and elected Abdul Hamid al-Awak as Speaker of the People’s Assembly. Mustafa Moussa was elected First Deputy Speaker, Madonna Bishara as Second Deputy Speaker, and Mo’ayad Habib as Secretary of the Assembly. President Ahmad al-Sharaa attended the session alongside cabinet ministers and senior officials.
Addressing lawmakers, President al-Sharaa described the launch of the Assembly as “a new milestone” in building state institutions based on dialogue, responsibility and the rule of law, calling on members to serve the interests of the Syrian people during the transition.
The transitional People’s Assembly consists of 210 members, with roughly two-thirds selected through regional electoral colleges and the remaining third appointed by President al-Sharaa. The body is expected to serve for a 30-month transitional period under the Constitutional Declaration issued earlier this year.
While its powers remain limited under the interim constitutional framework, the Assembly is tasked with proposing and approving legislation, reviewing government policies, and contributing to the drafting of a permanent constitution ahead of future general elections.
Earlier this month, before the Assembly convened, Cordone said the new legislature would bear significant responsibilities in advancing urgently needed legislation, promoting accountability, supporting national dialogue and transitional justice, and helping lay the foundations for sustainable peace, constitutional reform and inclusive elections.
He also urged greater efforts to ensure the meaningful participation of women and Syria’s diverse communities in state institutions throughout the political transition, reiterating the UN’s readiness to support the Assembly’s work in line with Security Council Resolution 2254.