Thousands of people gathered in the streets of Damascus on the first Friday since the fall of the Assad regime in December. Archive photo. UN envoy: consensus emerging in the world on political transition in Syria Peace and security
UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen, who is visiting the country, believes that since the fall of the Assad regime last month, a consensus has emerged in the world in support of a political transition in Syria.
Syria needs support
“There is an international consensus that the new Syria needs support,” Pedersen said. “We must ensure that the political transition is successful. This is a common position: failure is not an option.”
The UN’s position is to help the Syrians adopt a new constitution and hold free and fair elections. The Special Envoy is convinced that this process must be controlled by the Syrians themselves so that the country can restore its sovereignty and territorial integrity. “These principles are at the heart of Security Council Resolution 2254,” Pedersen recalled.
Main Problems
The special envoy highlighted several key challenges facing Syria, including the unification of armed groups into a national army and addressing the specific problems of the northeast, where fighting continues between rival groups near the Turkish and Iraqi borders.
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He also stressed the importance of transitional justice, economic recovery, reconstruction, the protection of civilians and addressing Israel’s presence in Syria. Israeli troops have strengthened their positions in the occupied Golan Heights.
Meetings with de facto authorities
During his visit, Pedersen discussed these and other issues with key players in Syrian politics, including de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa and interim Foreign Minister Shaibani. “I welcome the clear commitments and messages that were conveyed to the Syrian people and to us during the meetings,” the UN Special Envoy stressed.
14 Years of War
He acknowledged the significant challenges facing the interim authorities, given 14 years of war as well as 54 years of dynastic rule. “Any country and interim authorities that come to power in such conditions will inevitably face enormous difficulties,” he stressed, adding that it is important to avoid acts of revenge and ensure the protection of all Syrians so that everyone can feel involved in the future of the country.