DAMASCUS: Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali reassured citizens that they need not fear the changes unfolding in the country, stating that normalcy would return soon.
In a phone interview with Al-Arabiya TV, he confirmed that contact with ousted President Bashar al-Assad was lost on Saturday night. During their final conversation, the Prime Minister briefed Assad on the situation.
Al-Jalali mentioned that Assad had planned to discuss the crisis the following day but was unprepared for how rapidly events escalated. He added that the majority of Syria’s 28 ministers remain within the country.
The Prime Minister acknowledged widespread fear among the public, emphasizing that the current government is committed to holding free elections and ensuring a peaceful transition of power.
Al-Jalali also revealed that he had spoken to Abu Mohammad al-Julani, the leader of the Tahrir al-Sham militia.
In the latest developments, Syrian rebels have seized Damascus and declared the end of President Assad’s rule. In their first address after the takeover, the rebels assured the public of Syria’s sovereignty and the protection of state assets, vowing to release all political prisoners from jails.