A month after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, the 15 members of the Security Council met publicly for the first time to discuss the situation on the ground and the Syrian political transition. They were briefed by the Secretary General’s envoy for Syria, as well as by the head of Humanitarian Affairs. Both considered developments still very volatile, and remained cautious. Thirteen million people face severe food insecurity.
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While since the seizure of power by the radical Islamist group HTS a month agocountries are observing developments in Syria between contentment and caution. The Secretary General’s envoy for Syria, Geir Pederson, called on the international community this Wednesday, January 8, to ensure that the next phase “succeeds,” reports Carrie Nooten, RFI correspondent in New York.
Geir Pederson welcomes the timetable being moved forward by Syria’s new strongman, Ahmed al-Sharaa; elections within four years, and between now and then, the organization of an inclusive national dialogue. To prepare for this national dialogue conference, the authorities are planning a commission reflecting the different components of society. Welcoming the announcement of this enlarged commission, Geir Pedersen stressed the importance that the process is not “ sloppy “.
“ There are immense opportunities to build new foundations for lasting peace and stability in Syria. But mistakes or missed opportunities could threaten Syria’s future and plant seeds of instability “, Geir Pedersen said at a meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
He insisted that “ an inclusive political transition is the most effective way to inspire confidence “, calling on the authorities to “ reach out » to all communities. “ Significant areas are not under the control of the transitional authorities, the conflict continues, and there are also real threats to the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Syria », Underlined the UN envoy.
Among the errors: Israel’s invasion of the Golan and the violation of Syrian territorial sovereignty. UN representatives, but also the vast majority of the 15 members, criticized the advance of the Israeli army. Likewise, the lifting of sanctions that had been imposed on the regime of Bashar al-Assad was demanded not only by Geir Pederson, but also by a large delegation of Arab countries.