Canada appoints special envoy for Syria 'to promote inclusive governance'

Canada announced Friday the appointment of Omar Alghabra as special envoy for Syria.

"After decades of atrocities committed by the Assad regime, its rule has come to an end, starting a new chapter for Syria. The Syrian people have endured unimaginable hardship, and during this period of transition, Canada will continue to stand by them in their pursuit of a just and inclusive society," said a statement by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Alghabra, a Syrian Canadian and a member of parliament, has held key government positions, including minister of transport.

Known as an advocate for Syrian refugees, Alghabra "will advise the Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Melanie Joly, on Canadian efforts to support the Syrian people in addressing their pressing needs and transition toward an inclusive and peaceful future."

His mandate includes consulting international partners, regional actors, and experts to "promote inclusive governance and ensure the protection of human rights."

"With the appointment of Mr. Alghabra as Canada’s new Special Envoy for Syria, we are strengthening our efforts to promote dialogue, deliver critical humanitarian aid, and build a future where all Syrians can live in safety and dignity for years to come," Trudeau said in the statement.

Bashar Assad, Syria’s leader for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia on Dec. 8, ending the regime of the Baath Party, which had been in power since 1963.

The next day, Ahmed al-Sharaa, the leader of the Syrian administration, who was appointed Jan. 29 as president, tasked Mohammed Al-Bashir with forming a government to oversee the transitional period.