Geir Pedersen, United Nations special envoy to the country, emphasized the need for ‘immediate humanitarian aid’ and that we are witnessing the ‘beginning of a new Syria’
The special envoy of for Syria, Geir Pedersen, called this Wednesday (18), in Damascus, for “fair and free” elections after the transition period, emphasizing the need for “immediate humanitarian aid” in the war-ravaged country. On December 8, a coalition of armed groups – led by the Islamists of Hayat Tahrir al Sham (HTS) – took power in Syria, overthrowing President Bashar al Assad, who had ruled with authoritarianism for more than 20 years.
“I think it’s important to say that there is a lot of hope and that we are witnessing the beginning of a new Syria,” Pedersen said at a news conference. The UN representative highlighted the vision of a “new Syria that will adopt a new constitution that guarantees a new social contract for all Syrians and that will organize fair and free elections” at the end of the transition period. The prime minister in charge of leading the transition until March 1, Mohamad al-Bashir, promised to “guarantee the rights of all”.
“There is stability in Damascus, but challenges remain in other areas,” Pedersen emphasized, highlighting his hope for a ‘political solution’ for the autonomous Kurdish areas in northeastern Syria. one of the ‘biggest challenges’ for the new government. The special envoy reaffirmed the urgency of “immediate humanitarian assistance” and expressed his desire for an “economic recovery” for the country, which is under sanctions.
*With information from AFP
Posted by Victor Oliveira
