UN temporarily winding down presence in, around Damascus: Official

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
9 Dec 2024 00:11

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres calls for a peaceful and orderly political transition in Syria, emphasizing the need for reconciliation.

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Antonio Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General, speaks during a news conference at the COP29 UN Climate Summit, on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, in Baku, Azerbaijan. (AP)

The United Nations has been winding down its presence in and around Damascus after armed groups seized control of the Syrian capital, according to a UN official.

"We are temporarily reducing our staff footprint in the Damascus area," the official said.

Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres affirmed in a statement that Syria needs to ensure an orderly transition of power after 14 years of war, saying, "the fall of the dictatorial regime, today the people of Syria can seize an historic opportunity to build a stable and peaceful future ... There is much work to be done to ensure an orderly political transition to renewed institutions."

Additionally, Guterres emphasized that the Syrian people must decide their country's future, with the assistance of UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen. He urged the new regime to respect diplomatic premises and personnel, avoid violence, and uphold the rights of all Syrians during the transition.

"We remain committed to helping Syrians build a country where reconciliation, justice, freedom, and prosperity are shared realities for all. This is the path to sustainable peace in Syria," Guterres concluded.

Iranian President, FM stress need for dialogue among Syrian factions

Likewise, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Sunday the Syrian people alone must determine the future of their country and its political system.

Speaking during a cabinet meeting, Pezeshkian addressed the ousting of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, after armed groups, now serving as the transitional government forces of Syria, seized control of Damascus on Sunday.

The Iranian President underscored the importance of maintaining Syria's unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, emphasizing the need for dialogue among various Syrian factions to reach a mutual understanding regarding the country's future.

Pezeshkian expressed hope for an immediate end to violence in Syria, enabling its citizens to decide their fate without fear or "destructive" external interference.

He also called for the protection of Syrian citizens, holy sites, and diplomatic missions, stressing adherence to international law.

The Iranian President reaffirmed his country’s commitment to engaging in diplomatic efforts with relevant parties and the United Nations to stabilize the situation and safeguard regional security and stability.

Additionally, Pezeshkian condemned the Israeli occupation regime’s aggression on Syrian territory, urging Syrian factions and regional nations to remain vigilant against attempts by "Israel" to exploit the crisis to advance its illegal and expansionist policies.