Syria's new People's Assembly to serve 30-month term, election official says

DAMASCUS, Syria — Syria's new People's Assembly will serve a 30-month term that may be extended, the head of the country's Higher Election Committee said at a press conference in Damascus. Muhammad Taha al-Ahmad said the new legislature combines members chosen through elections with others appointed by the president under constitutional authority. Al-Ahmad said the assembly's membership includes families of martyrs, survivors of detention and chemical attacks, academics and specialists. He described the body as representing different segments of Syrian society on the basis of sacrifice and experience rather than region, sect or group. The committee head said the assembly will review previous decrees and is expected to issue a series of laws. He also stressed that the Kurdish component is an integral part of Syrian society and that the complementary one-third quota was determined by merit and expertise.