The Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, arrived in Syria a week after rebel forces led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTC) overthrew President Bashar al-Assad.
Upon his arrival, Mr. Pedersen addressed the press and acknowledged the significant change following the fall of the Assad regime.
He emphasized the importance of launching a political process that includes all Syrians and is led by the Syrians themselves.
Read a full transcript of the press encounter here.
Services, public order and security
Mr. Pedersen highlighted the need to ensure that state institutions are functioning, with a focus on service delivery, public order, and security.
He stressed the urgency of providing immediate increased humanitarian assistance to the Syrian population and refugees wanting to return.
End impunity and jump start the economy
Regarding economic recovery, Mr. Pedersen emphasized the need for swift resolution and the lifting of sanctions to facilitate the reconstruction of Syria.
He also emphasized the importance of accountability and justice for crimes committed across the country, advocating for a credible justice system to prevent revenge.
