By: ATN News
United Nations: In a stark warning to the international community, Geir O. Pedersen, the Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Syria, addressed the Security Council on the perilous trajectory of the Syrian conflict. With absent political progress, ongoing violence, and a deteriorating humanitarian situation, he cautioned that Syria and the global community face "terrible risks." This urgent call for action came during Pedersen's final briefing before stepping down from his role.
Pedersen highlighted the lack of a clear political path to implement Security Council resolution 2254 (2015), which outlines a roadmap for peace in Syria. He described the situation as not only tragic but dangerous, with festering negative trends that could destabilize the region and beyond. Emphasizing the need for regional de-escalation efforts, he called for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza and stressed the importance of resuming the Constitutional Committee's meetings. This committee, involving the Syrian government, opposition, and civil society, is crucial for drafting a new constitution and moving towards a comprehensive political solution.
Martin Griffiths, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, also briefed the Council for the last time before stepping down. Griffiths expressed deep concern over Syria's ongoing humanitarian crisis, which he described as a "protection crisis" with over 7 million displaced people and millions more living as refugees in neighboring countries. He welcomed the extension of permissions for the use of border crossings, which are vital for delivering humanitarian aid, but highlighted the critical funding shortfall for the Humanitarian Response Plan.
Council members echoed these concerns, underscoring the necessity of a genuine political process aligned with resolution 2254 (2015). The representative of Algeria, speaking for Guyana, Mozambique, and Sierra Leone, called for all parties to engage in finding a political solution to guarantee Syria's unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. Switzerland's representative stressed the urgency of a nationwide ceasefire and the importance of protecting Syrian territory from regional conflicts.
Ecuador's representative emphasized the need for guaranteed, unconditional humanitarian access and the continuation of efforts to address the fate of over 100,000 missing persons in Syria. However, stark divisions remained among Council members. The Russian Federation criticized the U.S. military presence in Syria, alleging it destabilizes the region, while the United States countered by condemning Russia's actions in Ukraine and underscoring the need for progress in Syria's political process.
China's delegate condemned unilateral sanctions and called for the end of the illegal presence of foreign forces in Syria, expressing concern over Israel's airstrikes on Syrian territory. Iran's representative criticized Western countries for prioritizing political agendas over the dire humanitarian situation in Syria.
Conversely, Türkiye's representative urged the Syrian regime to initiate genuine national reconciliation. He reiterated that the only sustainable solution is a political process that meets the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people.
Syria's representative defended the country's cooperation with the United Nations on humanitarian access and criticized the damage caused by what he termed illegal foreign interventions. He reaffirmed Syria's commitment to a Syrian-led political process without foreign interference.
In his briefing, Pedersen detailed the security landscape in Syria, marked by ongoing conflicts involving local and international actors, including listed terrorist groups. He highlighted the increased attacks by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da’esh) and the heightened tensions within and between areas of control. The deteriorating situation threatens further civilian suffering and regional instability.
Griffiths emphasized that while humanitarian aid is essential, it cannot resolve the crisis. He called for sustained support for the Special Envoy's efforts to achieve a political solution. Noting the compounded impact of regional tensions and the economic crisis, he urged the international community to avoid waiting for another catastrophe to act.
As Pedersen and Griffiths prepare to leave their posts, their final messages underscore a critical juncture for Syria. The path forward requires comprehensive political engagement and immediate humanitarian relief to avert further tragedy and instability in the region.
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