Sharaa, whose fighters led the offensive that toppled the Assad family dynasty in December, has said he will build an inclusive society in a country with a delicate sectarian and religious mix.

The document enshrines separation of powers and guarantees women's rights, freedom of expression and media freedom.

Syria kept a central role for Islamic law in a constitutional declaration issued on Thursday which guarantees women's rights and freedom of expression during a five-year transitional period, according to a summary read on TV.

Religious and ethnic minorities, as well as the US and Europe, are wary about freedom of expression protections