Geir Pedersen speaks via video link at Security Council meeting on Syria. The Security Council discussed the situation in Syria, where a “new course is currently being shaped” Peace and Security
The UN is ready to do everything possible to support Syria, which is now charting a new course after the fall of the previous regime. This was stated by the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen at a meeting of the Security Council on Wednesday.
“The decisions taken now will determine the future for a long time. There are great opportunities and real dangers,” he said.
Consolidation of power
Pedersen said the interim leadership continues to work on structuring and consolidating its authority, with several governors appointed who appear to be either members of or affiliated with armed groups. There is also information about an agreement to unite the various factions under a single Ministry of Defense, although the status of its implementation remains unclear.
“The interim authorities have published the first list of military appointments to the new Ministry of Defense,” Pedersen said. The candidates come from various factions, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. Among them, according to the Special Envoy, are also fighters from foreign countries.
The interim authorities have held meetings with a wide range of representatives of various Syrian groups, with foreign ministers and other senior officials from a number of countries, and Syrian interim Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaybani has just returned from a regional visit.
Instability
Pedersen noted signs of instability in areas under the control of the interim authorities.
“We have received numerous reports of violence in the coastal region, particularly in Homs and Hama, including reports of degrading and abusive treatment,” the Special Envoy said.
“The interim authorities have also been sending out patrols and conducting what they call “combing operations,” arresting former officials or those they accuse of war crimes or refusing to surrender their weapons,” he added.
There have also been reports of clashes with former regime forces, resulting in casualties.
“Videos have been circulated that appear to show abuses or extrajudicial executions of former regime officials,” Pedersen said.
Plans to restructure the public sector could leave many without a livelihood, further undermining stability, the Special Envoy added, calling on the interim authorities to support all Syrian communities and facilitate their participation in building the country’s future.
The conflict continues
Pedersen recalled that many areas of Syria are still outside the control of the interim authorities, the conflict continues, and there are very real threats to the country’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.
“The northeast, as well as parts of the city of Aleppo, remain under the control of the SDF (Syrian Democratic Forces – editor’s note) and the People’s Protection Units. Despite a US-brokered ceasefire agreement near Manbij in December, there have been reports of clashes and artillery exchanges between the SDF and SNA forces,” Pedersen said.
“Turkey has made statements indicating a distinct possibility that Turkish military operations could intensify in the northeast,” he added.
At the same time, channels of dialogue have been established between the interim authorities and the SDF, with representatives meeting in Damascus last week.
Israeli military presence
Pedersen said the UN was deeply concerned about the continued Israeli military presence and activities, including outside the disengagement zone, in violation of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement. In addition, restrictions on the freedom of movement of the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) imposed by the Israel Defense Forces must be lifted immediately, he stressed.
“Reports of the IDF using munitions against civilians, displacement and destruction of civilian infrastructure are also deeply troubling. Such violations, along with Israeli airstrikes reported in other parts of Syria last week, including in Aleppo, could further jeopardize the prospects for an orderly political transition,” the envoy said.
ISIS Threat
Pedersen said ISIS remains a serious challenge for Syria, adding that the militants could “try to take advantage of instability in some areas.”
“US-led coalition operations against ISIS continued, including precision airstrikes by US and French forces,” he said. Special Envoy.
Political Transition
The political transition in Syria must be inclusive and transparent, Pedersen stressed, and the transitional government must be inclusive, non-religious and trustworthy.
A new constitution for Syria must be developed through a credible and inclusive process. Free and fair elections must be held in the country, the Special Envoy concluded.