Syria's new prime minister urges Syrian refugees to return

Mohammad al-Bashir, appointed by rebel groups as leader of the transitional government, told the Italian daily Corriere della Sera that one of his first goals is “the return of millions of Syrian refugees located abroad”.

Their human capital “, their experience, will enable the country to thrive”, Bashir said in the interview released Wednesday.

“I have a call for all Syrians abroad: Syria is now a free country that has won its pride and dignity. Come back! We need to rebuild, re-install, and we need everyone's help”, he said.

Assad's regime in Syria fell on 8 December, when the organisation Hayat Tarhrir al-Sham (HTS) declared terrorist by the US and its allies.

The nearly 14-year civil war in this country left 500,000 people dead and forced half of the inhabitants to flee their homes -- millions of whom found shelter abroad.

After Assad's departure, Syria faces great uncertainty.

Concerns are especially about sectarian violence, even though the HTS has made efforts to ensure religious minorities are safe in new Syria.

The country's various communities, including Christians, Kurds and the Alavites, are now waiting to see what government Bashir will lead.

The head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francisescu, called Wednesday for mutual respect “ ” among religions in Syria. /rel