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Some damaged buildings in the city of Darayya, Syria, December 30, 2024. /CFP
A Syrian national conference is set to take place in Damascus on January 4 and 5 to discuss the country's future after the fall of the Assad government, according to reports from various news outlets on Monday.
Turkish broadcaster A Haber reported that the dissolution of all armed factions, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, who played a key role in toppling the Assad government on December 8 is expected to be announced at the conference.
This will be the first pan-national conference since the dramatic regime change in the Arab country. Organizers plan to invite around 1,200 Syrians from both inside and outside the country, with an additional 70 to 100 representatives from each province, covering a range of social groups, according to media reports.
A constitutional drafting committee is expected to be established and the formation of a new government within a month proposed. Representatives from youth groups, women's organizations, the clergy and civil societies are set to participate.
Al-Jazeera reported that a preparatory committee would be formed for the national conference.
The Syrian interim administration, led by al-Sharaa, has not issued any official statement concerning the conference.
Syria to build ties with Gulf nations
The interim administration has pledged to build closer ties with Gulf countries, following high-level talks with a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) delegation, according to Saudi-owned Al Arabiya TV.
The delegation is led by Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya and GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi.
In a joint press conference with Gulf state officials, Syria's interim Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani praised Arab nations for supporting the Syrian people during and after the country's prolonged conflict.
"We want to reintegrate Syria into its Arab environment," al-Shibani said at the press conference, adding the GCC delegation has been briefed on Syria's plans for the future. "We look forward to strengthening our relationships with Gulf brothers," he stressed.
Al-Yahya, for his part, highlighted GCC members' solidarity with Syria, underscoring the importance of respecting Syria's sovereignty and supporting its stability.
"We reject any violation of Syria's territorial integrity," he said, adding the GCC is committed to supporting the Syrian people.
Al-Yahya noted that GCC officials also discussed with Syria's de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa ways to revitalize the country's war-battered economy, calling for the lifting of international sanctions.
Albudaiwi echoed Al-Yahya's stance, saying the council's respect for Syria's sovereignty and unity remains paramount.
He endorsed a comprehensive political transition in Syria, calling it essential for lasting regional stability. Albudaiwi, in the meantime, denounced any foreign interference in Syrian affairs, demanding Israel's immediate withdrawal from the occupied Golan Heights and condemning its settlement expansion in the area.
(With input from Xinhua)