Top envoy hails ‘shared conviction’ of Syrians on political transition

By Anjali Sharma

UNITED NATIONS – Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen on Monday said that Syrians across the political spectrum share a deep conviction that the country’s political transition must succeed.

Geir Pedersen stressed that protection for all Syrian minorities and a fully inclusive process is essential to shaping its future.

He visited Syria a few times and engaged with the caretaker authorities and a broad spectrum of society, after the overthrow of the Assad regime in early December.

The statement issued by his office said “[He] was deeply struck by the shared conviction among all the Syrians he met that the success of Syria’s political transition is essential, and it cannot afford to fail.”

“At the cornerstone of this, as he consistently heard from all Syrians he met, is the need for all Syrians to be genuinely protected, and for all Syrians to be fully included in shaping the future,” it added.

Mr. Pedersen held multiple meetings with caretaker Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani, after earlier talks with caretaker leader Ahmed al-Sharaa on 20 January.

Mr. al-Sharaa, a former leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham was named the country’s transitional president last week.

Mr. Pedersen welcomed assurances given by the caretaker leadership both publicly and in direct discussions that the all Syrians will have a stake in the future State and that it will be built on inclusive and credible foundations.

“In this regard, he sensed a genuine convergence between the expectations of Syrians, commitments of the caretaker authorities, and key principles of Security Council resolution 2254,” the statement said.

The resolution 2254 was adopted in December 2015, outlined a roadmap for a Syrian-led political transition, including constitutional reforms, and free and fair elections under UN supervision.

He met leaders from civil society, different religious faiths, and NGOs, expressed gratitude to all those who shared their different perspectives.

Mr. Pedersen said he appreciated the commitment he received of close cooperation and consultation with the UN on all steps of a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned transition.

According to the statement, Mr. Pedersen said that he is looking forward to working positively with caretaker authorities and following developments on the ground. He will continue to update the Secretary-General Mr. Guterres and the Security Council.