After the fall of Assad: Syria's interim president: Reconstruction has "just begun"
In view of the challenges facing the new Islamist government in Syria, interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has called for a joint effort by all citizens.
The "battle of reconstruction" has "just begun," al-Sharaa said in a speech in Aleppo on Tuesday. "Let us all come together and ask God for help to create a bright future for a noble land and a deserving people."
The former leader of the Islamist HTS militia called on the people of Syria to unite. "Let us seize the opportunity and take on this task," he told a cheering crowd. The new government "will not rest and will not let up until we have rebuilt Syria and can boast of it to the whole world," he said.
Al-Sharaa spoke at an event titled "Aleppo, Key to Victory." Aleppo in northern Syria, the country's most important economic center, was the first major city to be captured by the Islamist HTS militia and its allies from the forces of ruler Bashar al-Assad in early December during their major offensive. Before al-Sharaa's speech, screens showed images of fighters who had fallen in the Battle of Aleppo.
The HTS militia, led by al-Shaara, and allied groups overthrew Assad in December after more than 13 years of civil war. The security situation in the country remains tense. HTS is a former branch of al-Qaeda, but broke away from the terrorist network years ago. Since taking office, the former jihadist al-Shaara has sought to maintain a more moderate image.
Western sanctions imposed during the Assad regime were lifted last week. This move is intended to pave the way for reconstruction in Syria.
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