Implementing a new Syrian constitution could take three years, with elections possibly occurring within four years, according to Syria's new de facto leader Ahmed al-Chareh.
Al-Chareh, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, is the leader of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the rebel group that overthrew the Assad regime in Syria in early December.
Speaking to the Saudi television channel Al Arabiya, al-Chareh said that a comprehensive population census will be necessary for any credible elections, which will take time.
Al Arabiya also reported that al-Chareh plans to announce the disbanding of HTS at a national dialogue planning conference in Syria. The armed group is designated as a terrorist organisation and is sanctioned by the United Nations Security Council.
'Syria will not be a source of nuisance'
The rebel leader continues his efforts to present a moderate and respectable image to the world. "Syria will not be a source of nuisance for anyone," he said.
He expressed hope that the new US administration of President-elect Donald Trump will lift economic sanctions that have hit the ousted regime hard.
Amid celebration of the fall of the bloody regime led by Bashar Al-Assad, minority groups have sounded the alarm about potential mistreatment under the new order. Al-Chareh sought to ease these concerns and said the Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) will have their place in a new national army.
"There will be no question, in any way whatsoever, of a break-up of Syria," he said.
