Syria’s new leader Ahmad al-Sharaa said today that holding elections in the country could take up to four years – in statements made in an interview with Al Arabiya.

 

He added that drafting a new constitution could take up to three years, and about a year for Syrians to see drastic changes away from the Assad regime.

 

On Russia, Sharaa said that Syria has strategic interests in developing ties with Russia and that the relations should serve a common interest.

 

He also hoped that the new administration of Donald Trump will lift the sanctions imposed on Syria.

 

US diplomats visited Damascus earlier this month, after which Washington decided to remove a USD 10 million bounty for any information on Sharaa.