Syrian Prime Minister Calls for Return of Refugees

The newly appointed Prime Minister of Syria, Mohammed al-Baschir, has issued a call to Syrian refugees around the world, urging them to return to their homeland. In an interview with an Italian publication, al-Baschir emphasized that Syria has transformed into a nation that has regained its freedom, pride, and dignity.

Following the overthrow of the Assad regime, al-Baschir, who will lead the government through a transitional period until March, stated that restoring security and stability across Syrian cities is essential for enabling citizens to resume their normal lives. He articulated that one of his primary objectives is to facilitate the country's recovery, indicating that returning refugees could significantly contribute to this effort through their experiences and skills.

Al-Baschir acknowledged the necessity of rebuilding and revitalizing the nation, emphasizing that the support of all Syrians is crucial to this endeavor. His previous tenure as Prime Minister in the rebel-held region of Idlib, a site from which the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) launched its campaign against the Assad regime, is noteworthy. This context raises concerns among critics regarding potential extremist influences in the newly established governance.

In response to these concerns, al-Baschir sought to clarify misconceptions linking Islam with terrorism and extremism, attributing these views to the actions of certain extremist groups. He asserted his commitment to safeguarding the rights of all citizens within Syria.

Addressing foreign relations, the new Prime Minister conveyed that his administration would not engage with entities that remain aligned with the previous regime's violent methods. However, he refrained from elaborating on whether this stance would lead to a distancing from allies such as Iran, Russia, and Hezbollah, or a potential peace agreement with Israel.