Legal and Constitutional Expert to “Welat TV”: Political Recovery in Syria Requires a Political Life with the Participation of All Parties

Welat TV – Erbil

Dr. Ahmad Qurbi stated that Syria’s permanent constitution will be established at the end of the transitional phase, and its approval is up to the Syrian people. Constitutional Declaration amendments require a proposal by the president and approval by two-thirds of the people's assembly.

In an interview with “Welat TV” on Thursday, May 14, 2026, Qurbi explained that “the Constitutional Declaration was drafted with a commitment to achieving equality among Syrians, free from sectarian divisions and quotas,” adding that the goal is for Syria to be “a state of citizenship, not a state of sectarian divisions, nor one that distributes rights and duties based on sectarian affiliations.”

Principles Above the Constitution

Qurbi emphasized the necessity of “not making principles above the constitution subject to amendment so as not to undermine the rights and guarantees of certain groups.” He argued that considering principles above the constitution as superior to the constituent authority contradicts the principle of popular sovereignty and the people’s right to self-determination. He added that “it is not possible to accept the existence of supra-constitutional principles in the Syrian context because a new state is being established,” emphasizing the unwillingness to impose restrictions or limits on what Syrians might agree upon “because it goes against their will.”

Regarding the name of the state, Qurbi clarified that the matter is “a decision for Syrians,” noting that “there will be no obstacle to change if that is decided.”

Transitional Justice

On the issue of transitional justice, Qurbi stated that trials or accountability represent the initiation of one pathway of transitional justice. He explained that these pathways also include memory preservation, reparations, and truth-telling and emphasized the importance of launching the remaining pathways, which are “no less important than the accountability pathway.”

Qurbi revealed that the first session of the People’s Assembly will be held early next month, stressing the importance of achieving security and social stability and preventing the outbreak of a new civil war in Syria, as well as the need to build national institutions and preserve the country’s unity.

A Preliminary Assessment of the New Syria and the Extent of Political Reform:

Qurbi affirmed that what Syria has achieved so far following Assad’s fall is “very good,” expressing hope that the coming phase, following the People’s Assembly sessions, will witness the launch of new societal initiatives and the completion of institutional building.

He noted that Syria is heading toward a “path of recovery,” with the aspiration to achieve economic, social, and political stability. He explained that political recovery requires the existence of a functioning political life, including parties and civil society organizations.

Regarding the government lineup, Qurbi clarified that the changes taking place represent “a reform process, not a radical change,” noting that the focus is on achieving legislative and legal reform in Syria rather than waiting for structural reform.

He emphasized that it is natural for the Syrian government to include various components regardless of their ethnic affiliations, noting that what is required of the government at the executive level is to reform institutions on a national basis.

Qurbi concluded by stressing the importance of Syrians possessing a sense of national consciousness and moving beyond the legacy of the Assad regime.