The United Nations Special Envoy to Syria, Geir Pedersen, expressed optimism on Wednesday about the emergence of a “new Syria” following the country’s recent political developments, while acknowledging the significant challenges that lie ahead.
Speaking to reporters in Damascus after a series of meetings, Pedersen revealed that he had engaged with a wide range of stakeholders, including leaders from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), other armed factions, representatives of the Syrian National Coalition, families of the detained and missing, civil society members, and women activists.
“It’s only been 11 days since HTS and other groups entered Damascus, so it’s early days,” Pedersen remarked. “But there is a lot of hope that we can now see the beginning of a new Syria—one that, in line with Security Council Resolution 2254, adopts a new constitution ensuring a social contract for all Syrians and eventually holds free and fair elections after a transitional period.”
Pedersen welcomed the recent renewal of a truce in Kurdish-controlled areas in northeast Syria, emphasizing the need for a political solution and cautioning that the region’s issues must be addressed to achieve lasting peace.
The envoy also highlighted Syria’s severe economic difficulties as a pressing concern, calling for immediate humanitarian assistance, steps towards reconstruction, and the potential easing of international sanctions. “We need to see economic recovery and hopefully start a process to end sanctions,” he stated.
In a related development, HTS leader Ahmad al-Shara, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Julani, called for the lifting of international sanctions on Syria during an interview with the BBC on Wednesday. He asserted that Syria poses no threat to the world and argued that “HTS should be de-listed as a terrorist organization,” claiming that the group “did not target civilians or civilian areas.”
Al-Shara denied intentions to transform Syria into another Afghanistan, noting the differing traditions and mindsets of the two countries. He affirmed his belief in education for women, distancing himself from extremist ideologies that suppress women’s rights.
As Syria stands at a crossroads, the international community watches closely. The inclusive political transition and easing of sanctions advocated by Pedersen and others may offer a pathway to peace and stability in a nation long beset by conflict.
Reference(s):
Inclusive political transition and easing of sanctions urged in Syria
cgtn.com
