New York: The UN Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, called on the UN Security Council to ensure that the Israeli occupation adheres to its commitment to withdraw from Syrian territories, describing the occupation's actions as a violation of the 1974 Agreement on Disengagement.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Pedersen made these remarks late Tuesday during a briefing at the Security Council on the situation in the Middle East and Syria. He highlighted that the Israeli occupation's military has publicly acknowledged establishing several positions in the demilitarized zone in Syria, expressing concern over Israeli statements indicating an intention to remain in Syria and calls for the complete demilitarization of southern Syria.
The UN envoy affirmed that the UN would continue engaging with the Israeli occupation authorities and the Syrian caretaker government to ensure the withdrawal of the Israeli forces, as well as to uphold Syria's sovereignty, unity, and independence. Pedersen warned that Syria stands at a crossroad, stating that the country will either revert to a cycle of violence and instability or embark on a path toward comprehensive political transition.
Pedersen stressed that the first scenario is completely unacceptable, as it would lead to renewed conflict, instability, power monopolization, and fragmentation with Syria's sovereignty routinely violated by external powers and endangering regional and international security. He added that the second path is viable, leading to an inclusive political transition in which the Syrian people reclaim their sovereignty, overcome the conflict, revive their economy, and achieve their legitimate aspirations, contributing to regional stability.
The UN official pointed out that Syria continues to face immense challenges following the fall of the previous regime, noting that 14 years of war and conflict continue to cast a long shadow over the country. Pedersen also reflected on recent events, saying that last month, the Syrian people's immense hopes and deep fears became starkly evident, noting that while many celebrated the ability to gather in public without fear, others experienced a horrific cycle of devastating violence along the coast, resulting in mass civilian casualties and heightened anxieties about the future.
He announced plans to return to Damascus soon to continue engagement with the caretaker government and outlined six priority areas for Syria's transitional phase. These priorities include forming an inclusive transitional government, initiating a constitutional process, ensuring accountability for crimes committed, reforming the security sector, addressing the issue of foreign fighters, and providing economic support to the Syrian people. Pedersen also called for easing sanctions on Syria, asserting that such a step would help create a conducive environment for a peaceful transition in the country.