STORY: Syria's interim president Al-Sharaa delivers 1st address to nation
SHOOTING TIME: Jan. 30, 2025
DATELINE: Feb. 1, 2025
LENGTH: 00:02:59
LOCATION: Damascus
CATEGORY: POLITICS

SHOTLIST:
1. STANDUP (English): HUMMAM SHEIKH ALI, Xinhua reporter
2. SOUNDBITE (Arabic): AHMED AL-SHARAA, Syrian interim president
3. various of Damascus

STORYLINE:

STANDUP (English): HUMMAM SHEIKH ALI, Xinhua reporter
"Syria's new interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, delivered his first address to the nation, marking a historic shift after 54 years of Assad family rule. His speech set the stage for the country's transition, focusing on unity, governance, and rebuilding institutions.
Al-Sharaa made it clear that this is a transitional phase, not a time for exclusion or division. He pledged to form an inclusive government representing all Syrians -- men, women, and youth -- to lay the groundwork for free and fair elections. To fill the legislative gap, he announced plans for a new interim council and a national dialogue conference -- a forum for all Syrians to debate the country's future. And finally, a constitutional declaration will soon be issued to define the legal framework for this new era. His message was clear -- Syria's transition has begun. The coming weeks will test whether this vision can truly bring stability to a nation emerging from over 13 years of civil war."

SOUNDBITE (Arabic): AHMED AL-SHARAA, Syrian interim president
"In the coming days, we will also announce the preparatory committee for the national dialogue conference, which will serve as a direct platform for discussions, consultations, and the exchange of diverse perspectives on our upcoming political program. Once these steps are completed, we will issue a constitutional declaration that will serve as the legal reference for the transitional phase."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Damascus.
(XHTV)