America News Agency

US Ambassador to Ankara Tom Barrack congratulated the Syrian people in a message marking the opening of the second term of the Syrian People's Assembly.

Barrack described the opening of the Assembly as an important milestone in Syria's transition from oppressive rule to renewal. Noting that the Assembly had previously created an appearance of consent to governance based on coercion, Barrack stated that its leadership now has an opportunity to transform an instrument of power into a source of legitimacy.

Barrack emphasized that this legitimacy must be built on representation, accountability and the rule of law. He stressed that nations are not built in moments of victory, but through practices and achievements developed over time.

Barrack said, "One session, one debate, one reform at a time; until what was once extraordinary becomes the ordinary functioning of government."

Stating that removing barriers to access to justice, strengthening legal remedies and facilitating trade form the foundations of a new Syria, Barrack noted that order must be grounded in human dignity, while stability must rest on opportunities and prosperity shared by all Syrians.