UN Special Envoy Arrives In Syria To Encourage Political Process

Syrians at the Meisna crossing point on the border between Lebanon and Syria on December 12, 2024. (ANTARA/Xinhua/Mahir Kamal)

JAKARTA - The United Nations Special Envoy for Syria, Geir O. Pedersen, arrived in Damascus on Sunday (15/12) to hold a number of talks to encourage political proceedings and overcome challenges in the country that is being hit by the conflict.

"The changes we witnessed after the fall of the Assad regime were very large and gave great hope, but there were still many challenges ahead," he said upon arrival, as reported by the Special Envoy Office of the Secretary General for Syria (OSES).

Pedersen's visit was made at a crucial time for Syria. He stressed the importance of an inclusive political process led by the Syrian people themselves.

The process must be led by the Syrian people, he said, adding that international support remains the key to making the way forward easier.

One of the main challenges identified by Pedersen is the restoration of the function of state institutions to ensure basic services, law enforcement, and security.

"It is very important to ensure state institutions function effectively," he stressed.

He also highlighted the urgency of overcoming the humanitarian crisis in Syria.

"We must ensure the improvement and acceleration of humanitarian aid for the Syrian people and for all refugees who want to return," he asserted.

Economic recovery is also a major concern in Pedersen's statement.

He called for steps to push for Syrian reconstruction efforts, including the abolition of sanctions in an orderly manner imposed by countries such as the United States (US) and members of the European Union.

"We need to see sanctions removed quickly to support Syrian rebuilding efforts," he said.

In addition, Pedersen emphasized the importance of a trustworthy justice system to ensure accountability and prevent revenge.

A trustworthy justice system is indispensable to guarantee accountability and prevent revenge, he said.

Pedersen also highlighted the desire of the Syrian people to unite, both at home and abroad, to support Syrian reconstruction efforts.

"I have been contacted by various Syrian groups from within and outside the country, all of whom expressed readiness to help," he said, referring to the positive momentum of a number of recent discussions in Aqaba Province, Jordan.

During his visit, Pedersen is scheduled to meet with Syrian authorities and other stakeholders.

"I'm looking forward to further discussions here and planning a bigger event to formulate a move forward," he said.

The UN envoy's visit is an important step in reviving efforts to reach peaceful and sustainable resolutions over the prolonged crisis in Syria.

Bashar al-Assad, who ruled Syria by iron for nearly 25 years, accepted an offer of Russian asylum on December 8 after anti-regime groups took over Damascus.

The takeover came after the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group seized key cities across Syria in a quick attack that lasted less than two weeks.