UN Envoy set to enable peace talks, ensure civilian safety in Syria
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Geir Pedersen confirms his readiness to enable peace talks regarding the situation in Syria, as the recent terrorist awakening poses significant risks to not only civilians, but regional peace as well.
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Syrian terrorists get on a motorcycle as others stand on top of an army armored vehicle, southwest of Aleppo, Syria, Saturday Nov. 30, 2024 (AP)
The United Nation's special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, said he was ready to broker new and comprehensive peace talks between Syrian and international stakeholders, amid the reactivation of the terrorist insurgence in the country.
As of Saturday, the Syrian Army announced its continued operations to confront terrorist groups and reclaim full control of Aleppo and its surrounding countryside.
"I call for urgent and serious political engagement – among Syrian and international stakeholders - to spare bloodshed and focus on a political solution in accordance with Security Council resolution 2254 (2015)," Pedersen said in a statement, affirming his readiness to employ his offices to hold meetings including all relevant stakeholders for peace talks.
As Pedersen continues closely monitoring the situation in Syria, he noted a "dramatic shift in frontlines" over the previous days. He further remarked the significant dangers posed to civilians, as well as the impact on regional and international peace and stability.
"As an immediate priority, I strongly emphasize the urgent need for all to uphold their obligations under international law to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure," he said, confirming that he would continue efforts toward de-escalation and the protection of civilians.
Moreover, the current state of affairs reflects a "collective failure" to initiate a meaningful political process to enforce the Security Council resolution, the diplomat stated, stressing that without the involvement of all relevant parties, Syria risks further fragmentation, worsening conditions, and continued devastation.
Syrian government confirms readiness to secure safety of civilians
The Syrian government Saturday confirmed that it continues extensive coordination with military officials to take any necessary actions to ensure the security and safety of citizens in Aleppo, northern Syria, and protect them from attacks by armed terrorist groups.
Al Mayadeen’s correspondent in Syria reported on Saturday that a cautious calm has settled over the frontlines of Aleppo, particularly following the incursion of armed groups into the city’s western neighborhoods.
In a statement published by the Syrian government's official social media pages, it was mentioned that following developments in Aleppo and surrounding areas, a follow-up meeting was held at the Prime Minister's office, "chaired by Prime Minister Mohamed Jallali, with the presence of a number of ministers concerned with service matters."
The Syrian government statement also noted that "the meeting focused on the situation in Aleppo specifically, and discussed possible ways to continue providing services to citizens in the province and across Syria, in light of the terrorist groups' reach to some government and service departments in Aleppo, where they intimidated employees and prevented them from continuing to serve citizens."
The statement emphasized that during the meeting, ministers said they would continue to deal with the situation with "responsibility and flexibility to help ease the burden on citizens and enable state institutions to continue their work in the best interest of citizens."
