(MENAFN) Russia has praised the recent elections to Syria’s People’s Council as a crucial move toward stabilizing the nation and reinforcing its government structures, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova announced Wednesday.

“We view the elections as a significant event in the Syrian leadership’s efforts to establish functioning state institutions and strengthen stability in the country,” Zakharova told reporters in Moscow.

She emphasized Moscow’s optimism about the newly formed parliament’s role, stating, “We hope that the formation of the parliament will be an important step toward building an effective, sustainable state system in Syria that meets the aspirations of the Syrian people.”

Zakharova further highlighted Russia’s expectation that the new People’s Council will accurately represent Syria’s diverse population. She said its work “will create the necessary conditions for ensuring national harmony and protecting the rights and interests of all citizens, regardless of ethnicity or religion.”

On October 5, electoral colleges voted to fill 119 of the 210 seats in the council, with women occupying eight of these seats. However, 21 seats remain unfilled due to security issues in the provinces of As-Suwayda, Hasakh, and Raqqa. The remaining 70 seats will be appointed by transitional President Ahmad al-Sharaa.

Expressing concern over rising tensions in Syria, Zakharova acknowledged the parties’ “political will” to curb violence. “We hope that the necessary conditions will be created to avoid further bloodshed and achieve sustainable de-escalation. Of particular urgency, of course, is the task of preventing civilian casualties,” she said.

Zakharova concluded by emphasizing that durable peace in Syria “lies through broad dialogue aimed at strengthening ethno-confessional groups and national harmony while respecting the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the country.”

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