UN Envoy expresses concern over rising violence in Syria, calls for political transition
"The transition there should be Syrian-led and owned, and ensuring inclusive, non-sectarian governance, including also constitutional reform, the holding of free and fair elections, and the meaningful women's participation," the statement added.
Dec. 28, 2024
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) - Geir Pedersen, the United Nations Special Envoy for Syria, expressed serious concerns about intensifying violence in several Syrian regions during a closed session of the UN Security Council, stressing the necessity for upholding Syria's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.
"The key principles of Security Council Resolution 2254 have wide consensus," Associate Spokesperson for the UN Secretary General Stephanie Tremblay stated in a press conference, highlighting Geir Pederson’s report to the UN Security Council.
Geir Pedersen, the United Nations Special Envoy for Syria, reiterated the resolution 2254 as a framework for moving forward.
"The transition there should be Syrian-led and owned, and ensuring inclusive, non-sectarian governance, including also constitutional reform, the holding of free and fair elections, and the meaningful women's participation," the statement added.
Last week, Pedersen urged for "free and fair elections" to coincide with the end of the transitional period in Syria, expected in about three months.
He also expressed hope for a political solution that would include the Kurdish self-administration.
During a press conference in Syria, Pedersen underlined the urgent need for humanitarian assistance while highlighting long-term goals.
UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher urged for a massive aid boost by donor countries to respond to "this moment of hope" for Syria.
"Across the country, the needs are huge. Seven in 10 people are needing support right now," Fletcher told AFP in a telephone interview as he visited Syria.
Ahmed al-Sharaa, known as "Abu Mohammed al-Jolani," commander of military operations in Syria, urged Pedersen to review UN Resolution 2254.
During their meeting in Damascus on December 15, al-Sharaa called for updating the UN resolution to reflect recent changes in the country's political landscape.
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, discussed with Pedersen "the changes that have occurred on the political scene which make it necessary to update" a 2015 United Nations Security Council resolution "to suit the new reality", the statement said.
UN Security Council Resolution 2254 of 2015, to which the rebel statement referred, set out a roadmap for a political settlement in Syria, and also mentioned Nusra's (now known as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham - HTS) "terrorist" designation.
The discussions come at a critical time as Syria wrestles with ongoing violence and political uncertainty, with various stakeholders seeking to influence the country's future direction.
Resolution 2254, adopted in 2015, remains a crucial framework for peace negotiations, urging for a Syrian-led political transition to end the conflict.
The UN envoy's comments underline the international community's sustained efforts to discover a peaceful resolution to the Syrian post-conflict condition while addressing urgent humanitarian needs and long-term political stability in the region.
