Syrian opposition pushes for new constitution, Algeria urges humanitarian aid

Head of the Syrian opposition negotiations commission, co-founder of the National Coalition of Syrian Revolution and Opposition Forces (SNC) Bader Jamous called for a referendum on a new Constitution of Syria.

"It is necessary to hold a referendum on a new Constitution and to move forward towards the organization of free and fair elections in a safe and neutral environment under the UN supervision," Jamous said, speaking at the UN Security Council meeting on Syria, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

He also pointed out that the Syrian Transitional Government must hold a "universal national conference" in order to prepare a "new Constitution that would reflect the aspirations of Syrians."

In addition, he called for establishment of an "inclusive national transitional government, which represents all layers of the Syrian society, from rebels to politicians and public figures, including women and the youth."

According to Jamous, the SNC is ready to cooperate with the new authorities in Damascus "to build a new Syria."

Meanwhile, at the same meeting, Algeria's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Amar Bendjama, called for donor countries to help the people of Syria.

"You cannot abandon the Syrian people. We call on donor countries to provide humanitarian assistance to him," the diplomat said.

"We call for a ceasefire throughout the Syrian territory to ensure the flow of humanitarian aid. In recent days, more than 1 million Syrians have been forced to leave their homes. In this regard, we call for support for humanitarian efforts to overcome the consequences of the current situation," he added.

"The return of Syrians to their homes should be voluntary and safe, while no one should be forced to return," Benjama stressed.

Algeria is currently a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.

In late November, Syria’s armed opposition launched a large-scale offensive against government forces. On December 8, they entered Damascus, while the army withdrew from the Syrian capital. Syria's President Bashar Assad resigned and left the country, issuing directives for the peaceful transfer of authority.

On December 10, Mohammed al-Bashir, who had led the so-called Syrian Salvation Government in the Idlib Province since January 2024, announced his appointment as head of Syria’s interim government until March 1, 2025.

By Khagan Isayev