Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa marked the first anniversary of the country's liberation on Monday with a powerful address, congratulating the Syrian people and outlining a clear vision for a "new Syria"—a strong State rooted in its glorious past and looking forward to a promising future.

Speaking at a Liberation Day ceremony held at the Conferences’ Palace, al-Sharaa said Syria had entered a new chapter after what he called decades of darkness under the former regime, which he portrayed as an era of oppression, corruption, and fear.

He described the period of the deposed leadership as “a dark page” in Syrian history, stating that tyranny had been replaced by dialogue, brotherhood, and national unity. “Damascus has once again become the focus of hearts and the balance of interests,” he said, adding that global perceptions of Syria had shifted “from pity to admiration and pride” within a year.

Paying tribute to those killed during the conflict, al-Sharaa honored fallen fighters, grieving mothers, and orphaned children, calling them “the heart of history” and symbols of a “great victory.” He said Syria had “lost Damascus” for more than five decades, accusing the former authorities of trying to erase its identity and historical depth.

From the Syrian capital, he declared that “humanity once advanced and shall rise again,” portraying Damascus as a center of compassion, justice, and wisdom. He added that Syrians had learned that rights are taken, not given, and that freedom comes at a price.

Al-Sharaa strongly criticized the previous system, accusing it of sowing division, turning citizenship into a tool of loyalty, and constructing a state based on corruption and lawlessness. He said free speech was criminalized, creativity punished, and patriotism turned into a liability.

Announcing a “historic break” with the past, the Syrian leader said the country was entering a new phase founded on justice, coexistence, and citizenship. He stressed that the end of the political struggle marked the beginning of a new battle centered on work, reform, and building state institutions.

On foreign policy, al-Sharaa said Syrian diplomacy had begun reshaping the country’s image and restoring its position as a trusted regional and international partner. He noted that delegations had been welcomed to Damascus and that Syria had re-engaged with foreign capitals.

Economically, he announced the establishment of strategic partnerships with “friendly countries” in energy, ports, airports, real estate, and communications, aimed at accelerating recovery, attracting investment, and creating jobs. He said incomes had begun to rise gradually and that policies had shifted toward improving citizens’ living conditions.

He also confirmed that Syria’s armed groups had been unified into a “professional national army” loyal to the homeland, reinforcing internal security and stability.

On justice and reconciliation, al-Sharaa reaffirmed his commitment to transitional justice, pledging accountability for perpetrators while protecting victims’ rights. He stressed that truth, questioning, and either accountability or reconciliation were vital to preventing future abuses and rebuilding trust between citizens and the state.

Addressing the issue of missing persons, he said their fate remained a top humanitarian priority and vowed that the state would continue to pursue the truth without compromise.

In his closing remarks, al-Sharaa urged Syrians to view victory as the beginning of responsibility, calling for diligence, justice, and compassion to elevate Syria among advanced nations. He concluded by honoring fighters, prisoners, martyrs, the wounded, and their families, extending what he called “deepest respect and peace” to those who sacrificed for the country. (ILKHA)