UN envoy meets with new Syrian regime, urges political transition
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The United Nations special envoy on Syria meets with the country's new leadership, urging the need for a comprehensive and inclusive political process.
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Geir Pedersen, the United Nations' special envoy to Syria, center, visits the infamous Saydnaya military prison, in Saydnaya north of Damascus, Syria, on Monday, December 16, 2024. (AP)
The United Nations Special Envoy to Syria, Geir Pedersen, held discussions with Ahmad al-Sharaa (Abu Mohammad al-Jolani), the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, and Mohammad al-Bashir, the head of the caretaker government, in the Syrian capital.
In a statement, the Office of the UN Special Envoy to Syria announced, "The Special Envoy, Mr. Geir Pedersen, is in Damascus. He has so far met with Mr. Ahmad al-Sharaa, leader of the new administration, and Mr. Mohammad al-Bashir, head of the caretaker government."
During the meetings, Pedersen emphasized "the need for an inclusive and credible political transition, led and owned by Syrians, based on the principles of UN Security Council Resolution 2254 (2015)." He reaffirmed the UN's commitment to providing all possible assistance to the Syrian people and was briefed on the challenges and priorities facing the country.
The statement also noted that Pedersen is scheduled to hold further discussions in the coming days.
Meanwhile, Syrian media reported that Ahmad al-Sharaa stressed the necessity of revisiting Resolution 2254, citing shifts in the political landscape that demand an updated framework to reflect the current realities.
Humanitarian aid needed
Pedersen highlighted the urgent need for humanitarian aid to be delivered to Syria, stating upon his arrival in Damascus on Sunday, "We call for the immediate delivery of humanitarian assistance to the Syrian people, who have endured immense suffering over the past decade due to the previous regime and prolonged internal strife."
The UN envoy underscored the importance of fully functioning state institutions in Syria, ensuring the safety and security of all personnel. He pledged to engage with all segments of Syrian society and international organizations to provide support to the Syrian people.
Pedersen also pointed to the critical need for economic recovery in Syria, expressing hope for lifting sanctions and enabling the country to embark on a path to recovery. He called for the establishment of a judicial system that guarantees justice for all, without retaliation, and stressed the importance of achieving justice and accountability.
New political system in Syria?
Al-Sharaa revealed Sunday a set of decisions currently under review by the country's interim government.
He confirmed that "there will be no mandatory military conscription, except for certain specialties, which will be obligatory for short periods."
Additionally, increasing salaries by 400% in Syria is being considered, said al-Sharaa, who is also the leader of the Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group that managed, as part of an alliance, to capture most of the Syrian territory and led the ousting of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad last week.
He pointed out that the primary priorities are rebuilding destroyed homes and returning displaced individuals.
Al-Sharaa also confirmed that all factions in Syria will be dissolved, emphasizing that there will be no weapons in the hands of anyone other than the new Syrian state.
In parallel, the Central Bank of Syria issued a decision allowing importers to finance their imports of permitted goods for domestic consumption, regardless of the foreign currency source used for the financing, unless it contradicts international or local regulations related to money laundering.
