Syria: Risks of Division Amid Fragile Transition – UN Envoy Briefing | United Nations

Briefing by Mr. Geir Pedersen, the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria, on the situation on the Middle East. ---------------------------- The UN Special Envoy for Syria briefed the Security Council, stressing that the country’s fragile transition faces immense challenges but also opportunities. He said the interim authorities in Damascus “have inherited not just the ruins of shattered buildings, but the deeper wreckage of a battered social fabric, decayed institutions, and a hollowed-out economy.” Urgent international assistance, private sector revival, sanctions relief, and political stability are needed to move forward. He warned against continued external interference, citing recent Israeli strikes, calling them “unacceptable and must stop,” and urged respect for Syria’s “sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.” On Sweida, he welcomed the 18 July ceasefire and the 16 September roadmap, which includes measures on accountability, humanitarian and commercial access, reconstruction, and reconciliation. However, he cautioned that “solutions must safeguard Syria’s unity and territorial integrity while addressing the legitimate fears of the Druze community.” Turning to the northeast, he noted that channels remain open between the interim authorities and the Syrian Democratic Forces, saying “this will require bold moves and genuine compromise” on military integration, security reform, and disarmament. He also urged Member States to “heighten engagement on repatriation of their nationals in Al-Hol.” Looking ahead, he underlined the importance of an inclusive interim legislature, stressing that “transparency, women’s participation, and the representation of all communities will be essential to confer legitimacy.” Concluding, he warned that mishandling the transition could lead to gridlock and renewed conflict, but added: “If the challenges are well handled, and met with genuine negotiation and bold compromise, unity is within reach, and success against the odds is possible.”


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