Syria's newly elected parliament convened its first session on Sunday following the ouster of former President Bashar Assad, marking a significant step in the country's political transition after years of civil war and authoritarian rule.

The inaugural session of the 210-member People's Assembly signals the resumption of legislative activities as Syria seeks to rebuild its political institutions after decades under the Assad family's rule and a conflict that claimed an estimated half a million lives.

Of the 210 lawmakers, two-thirds were elected through electoral colleges, while the remaining one-third were appointed by interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa. The parliament is expected to serve for 30 months while laying the groundwork for future national elections.

Addressing the opening session, al-Sharaa said the country was entering a new phase focused on strengthening state institutions following the restoration of what he described as Syria's freedom.

Following the swearing-in ceremony, lawmakers elected Abdul Hamid al-Awak as speaker of parliament.

According to Syria's state-run SANA news agency, al-Awak, who hails from the northeastern province of Hassakeh, served as a judge in the Justice Ministry for a decade. Reports said he was among the Syrian officials who defected from the Assad government during the early stages of the uprising and later moved to Turkey.

The formation of the new parliament is seen as part of Syria's broader political transition as the country works toward drafting new legislation and preparing for future elections.