UN envoy Geir Pedersen urges the new Syrian authorities to enable a “credible and inclusive” political transition, in accordance with UN Resolution 2254, as well as to develop a new Constitution.
Following a visit to Damascus and a meeting with the new administration, the UN envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, said the country needed a “credible political transition that includes the widest possible spectrum of Syrian society and parties”.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, Geir Pedersen clarified that the United Nations wanted the transition process to fall within the framework of the resolution adopted in 2015. This was intended to help negotiate a political solution between the government of President Bashar al-Assad, now deposed, and the opposition.
“There is much hope for the beginning of a new Syria, a Syria consistent with Security Council Resolution 2254, which will adopt a new Constitution guaranteeing a new social contract for all Syrians”says Geir Pedersen, who calls for “free and fair elections”.
“We have communicated to the new administration that the UN is there to assist them and that we look forward to close cooperation that will allow us to move forward together on all crucial issues for Syria.”he adds.
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTC), the main rebel group now controlling Syria, established an interim administration made up of members of his “salvation government”, which ruled his former stronghold in northern Syria.
He will oversee the country until March, but HTC chief Ahmed al-Charaa – also known as Mohammed Al-Jolani – has not yet clarified how the transition to a new definitive government will take place. .
The conflict with the Kurds is not over
Geir Pedersen also warned against continued violence in certain regions of the country, particularly in the northeastwhere Kurdish forces and armed groups supported by Turkey clashed.
The UN envoy also calls for provision of humanitarian aid and the launch of a process to end Western sanctions against Syria.
“The conflict is not over yet. Yes, there is stability in Damascus, but there are still challenges in some areas. And, of course, one of the biggest challenges is the situation in the north -East”says Geir Pedersen.
“I am very happy that the truce has been renewed and that it seems to be holding, but I hope that we will see a political solution to this problem”he concludes.