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Pedersen: The United Nations is Ready to Support Syria During the Transitional Phase
The UN Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, announced that the United Nations expresses its complete readiness to provide support to Syria in facing the challenges associated with the transitional phase the country is undergoing.
Pedersen highlighted the UN's readiness to assist Syria in addressing the challenges that arise during the transitional phase following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Pedersen confirmed his participation in a meeting held in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, at the invitation of Saudi Foreign Minister, Faisal bin Farhan. He expressed appreciation for the strong message conveyed in support of the Syrian people, as well as the desire to assist the interim government in Syria during this sensitive period.
Pedersen also clarified that the meeting discussed the necessity of having a comprehensive and credible transition led by Syrians, emphasizing the need for effective international commitment to support the Syrian people in managing this transitional phase peacefully and in the reconstruction of the country. The UN envoy confirmed the UN's readiness to provide the necessary support in facing these historic challenges.
In a related context, the Riyadh meeting on Sunday called for lifting the sanctions imposed on Damascus and creating the appropriate conditions for the return of Syrian refugees to their homeland. The statement issued from the meeting, chaired by Minister bin Farhan, referenced Riyadh's hosting of the Arab Contact Committee meeting regarding Syria, which included 11 countries, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, and others.
Additionally, another international meeting took place following the Contact Committee meeting, attended by the foreign ministers of Turkey, Syria, and the Gulf Cooperation Council member states, along with delegations from Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Britain, and Germany, while the United States and Italy participated at the deputy foreign minister level.
