New York , SANA- UN Deputy Special Envoy to Syria, Najat Rochdi, welcomed the presidential decree issued by President Ahmad Al-Shara, establishing the Supreme Electoral Committee for the People’s Assembly elections. She emphasized the importance of preventing any military escalation involving Syria in the region.
Rochdi said on Tuesday in a briefing to the Security Council in New York. during its session on Syria and broader Middle East developments “The next vital step in the political transition process is the formation of a new People’s Assembly as a transitional legislative authority. In this regard, we welcome the recent presidential decree announcing the formation of a Supreme Electoral Committee for the elections.”
Rochdi also noted that UN Special Envoy Geir O. Pedersen continues to engage a broad spectrum of Syrians and is expected to return soon to Syria for further direct dialogue with the government and wide segments of Syrian society. She emphasized the goal of building a new Syria grounded in openness, transparency, and inclusive participation, stressing that “the protection and safety of all components of Syrian society and the prevention of renewed tensions are essential foundations for stability.”
She explained that Pedersen’s recent discussions with Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani in Damascus focused on Syria’s growing international relations and the importance of prioritizing domestic affairs in the coming phase. This includes coordinating with newly established committees on transitional justice, civil peace, and missing persons to ensure a genuine, inclusive, and credible political transition in which all Syrians participate and have confidence.
The UN official reiterated her welcome of the agreement to integrate the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into state institutions, calling it a historic opportunity to resolve one of the key remaining issues in restoring Syria’s sovereignty and unity. She also commended progress in education, noting that students in northeastern Syria have registered for exams under the supervision of the Syrian Ministry of Education.
Rochdi urged Syria to steer clear of regional military escalation, citing Pedersen’s growing concern over the possible consequences of further instability in the region for Syria in particular. She said, “Syria cannot withstand another wave of instability and further risks that threaten to undermine progress toward peace and recovery, given the country’s already overwhelming challenges.” She emphasized the importance of international support for the Syrian people and their new government in building a better future.
Meanwhile, Joyce Msuya, Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, affirmed that reduced tensions and deeper engagement with international partners create new opportunities for investment in Syria’s future. She highlighted the ongoing need for essential humanitarian assistance, with more than seven million Syrian refugees and the return of 1.1 million internally displaced persons and over half a million refugees in the past six months to their devastated areas.
Msuya also warned of the continuing threat of unexploded ordnance, which has caused hundreds of casualties—mostly among children—as well as the risk of a cholera outbreak due to water shortages and drought. She called on the international community to take urgent, meaningful action in supporting the
Syrian government during this critical transitional phase, helping the Syrian people realize the better future they seek.
Reem Abdulhameed / Manar Salameh
