New York, SANA- Geir Pedersen, the United Nations Special Envoy for Syria, emphasized the need to scale up support to Syria, particularly in the area of investments, while affirming the importance of lifting the economic sanctions imposed on the country.
During a UN Security Council session Wednesday on the situation in Syria, Pedersen said, “We are living in a critical moment in the political development in Syria. President Ahmad al-Sharaa announced that efforts will be made to form an inclusive government that reflects the diversity of the country. This aligns with Security Council Resolution 2254, and the key is implementation.”
Pedersen stressed that all parts of Syria should be involved in the political transition process. The new administration has repeatedly affirmed that the new Syria will be for everyone. He noted that Syria faces numerous and varied challenges, particularly in the economic and security sectors.
The UN envoy expressed his anticipation to translate commitments into concrete actions, confirming the UN readiness to work purposefully and constructively. He assured that the UN would continue to provide support and assistance to Syrians through political work and UN offices.
He clarified that the security situation remains complex, with interim authorities continuing to strengthen their presence to build a national army and ensure no weapons remain outside state control.
He noted that Syrians he met during his recent visit to Damascus expressed concerns about external parties exploiting the security vacuum in some areas, in addition to threats from Daesh “ISIS”, necessitating efforts to achieve stability.
Pedersen called for the lifting of the economic sanctions imposed on Syria due to their substantial impact on the Syrian people.
He emphasized that Syrians today are in urgent need of stability and reconstruction efforts, which can only be achieved by lifting the sanctions. This would enable Syrians to face the rapidly increasing economic challenges, especially after the sudden cessation of humanitarian aid.
Pedersen also urged the UN Security Council to pressure “Israel” to withdraw from the Syrian territories it recently entered in the disengagement zone, violating the 1974 Disengagement Agreement.
Manar Salameh/Ruaa al-Jazaeri
