Syria's new parliament holds first session since ouster of ex-President Assad

Syria's newly elected parliament held its first session Sunday since the ouster of former President Bashar Assad, signaling a move to restart the legislative process after years of conflict and autocratic rule. The new 210-member People's Assembly, with two-thirds elected through colleges and one-third appointed by interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, will serve a 30-month term. "After liberating our homeland and regaining our freedom, we are all moving toward consolidating the state," al-Sharaa told parliamentarians. Legislators elected Abdul Hamid al-Awak, a former judge from Hassakeh province, as speaker. Al-Awak reportedly defected from the Assad government early in the uprising and later moved to Turkey. The establishment of the new parliament indicates Syria is progressing with drafting new laws as it recovers from decades of the Assad family's rule and a devastating civil war.

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After liberating our homeland and regaining our freedom, we are all moving toward consolidating the state.