Pedersen Welcomes Leadership Statements on State-Building Foundations
In a recent statement, Geir Pedersen, the UN Special Envoy to Syria, shared that he has been in Syria over the past few weeks, meeting with interim authorities, various groups of Syrians, and closely monitoring all developments on the ground.
According to the statement,
During his time in Syria, “Pedersen met with a diverse group of Syrian representatives, groups, and individuals from across the country who are engaged in a wide range of political, social, religious, and organizational activities. He expresses his gratitude to all the Syrians he was able to meet for sharing their perspectives at this critical time.”
The statement further notes, “The Special Envoy was profoundly moved by the shared conviction among all Syrians he met that a successful political transition in Syria is essential and must not fail. The cornerstone of this, as he consistently heard from all Syrians he met, is the need for genuine protection and full inclusion of all Syrians in shaping the future.”
Moreover, Pedersen welcomed “the clear affirmations repeatedly made publicly and to him by the interim leadership that the new Syria will be for all Syrians, built on inclusive and reliable foundations.”
The statement also indicates that Pedersen “appreciates the commitment he received for close cooperation and consultation with the United Nations on all steps of the transition, under Syrian leadership and ownership. He looks forward to this and working positively with the interim authorities. He will continue to closely follow all political developments and the situation on the ground and will keep the Secretary-General and the Security Council informed of any updates.”
The statement concludes by mentioning that Pedersen “will participate in several international meetings in the coming period and will return to Damascus thereafter.”
