The United Nations Security Council discussed the latest situation in Syria. UN Special Representative for Syria Geir Pedersen briefed the 15-member council via video conference on the latest situation in Syria and the future of the country.
Stating that there may be some concrete developments for the implementation of the Security Council decision taken in 2015, which states that the solution in the country will be through political means, a new constitution and elections, UN Special Representative for Syria Pedersen said, “No one should expect a miracle and a quick solution process in Syria. A lasting peace in Syria can only be achieved gradually. I hope this year we can work on concrete steps towards the implementation of Security Council resolution 2254,” he said.
Pedersen stated that six years have passed after the Security Council’s decision for a permanent solution in Syria, no concrete progress has been made, and that there is still a long way to go for the full implementation of the decision.
“It was seen that nothing could be achieved by military means”
UN Special Representative for Syria Pedersen stated that they still did not lose their hope despite all the negativities experienced and said, “I think we have a chance to make progress in 2022. No actor in the region has achieved anything with the conflicts and the military method so far. The strategic stalemate in Syria continued. It became clearer that there would be no military solution. In addition, the displaced, those who migrated to other countries, the difficulties experienced, the economic collapse, the division of the country gave us information about the risks and costs we would face. Managing an unacceptable, worsening stalemate would be just stupid. There should also be an interest in reconciliation after all parties become aware of the realities they face. Progress should be made in ensuring a political solution, and opportunities should be created for concrete steps forward,” he said.
“The political solution does not depend only on Syrians”
Stating that he emphasized these dynamics in every meeting he had with all parties that could end the war, Pedersen said, “I have the understanding that more political and economic steps are needed every month and that all these can only happen together for a solution in Syria. My impression from all these engagements is that there is still a great deal of distrust on the sides. Yet there is enough interest from all sides in what is possible through the broader political process. The political solution in Syria does not depend only on Syrians. Frankly, I am ready to convene the 7th session of the Constitutional Committee in Geneva as soon as agreements are reached between the parties.