Pedersen: Syrians' Hopes Have Declined and Coastal Events Are Concerning

UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen expressed deep concern during a periodic Security Council session on Syria, emphasizing that "the hopes of the Syrian people have significantly declined this month," and that the events in the Syrian coastal region have exacerbated fears and concerns about the country's future.

Pedersen detailed what occurred on the coast, saying: "On Thursday, March 6, armed groups associated with the previous regime set up ambushes for authorities in coastal areas," noting that "data indicates attacks on security apparatus headquarters and some hospitals."

The UN diplomat referred to the influx of forces to the coast "under the authority of or linked to the Ministry of Defense, including foreign fighters and randomly armed groups," expressing his distress over "the number of civilian casualties and the spread of mass killings against civilians and unarmed individuals."

Pedersen revealed horrific facts about these events, confirming that "entire families were completely wiped out," and that they "are still receiving reports of operations with a sectarian character," warning that "the attack on the caretaker authorities and mass killings came against a backdrop of insecurity."

The UN envoy called for a "comprehensive investigation to identify the perpetrators of violence against civilians," adding that during his dialogue with the caretaker authorities, he emphasized the need for "investigations to be transparent, comprehensive, independent, and for witnesses not to be intimidated and to be protected."

Pedersen stressed that "the results must be made available to the public, sending a clear message that the era of impunity in Syria is over," welcoming the formation of "a civil peace committee in the coastal region" by the caretaker authorities.

Regarding the transitional process, Pedersen reviewed the latest developments, saying: "February witnessed the convening of the national dialogue in Damascus after local consultations," explaining that "the dialogue produced a final statement with non-binding recommendations."

The UN envoy noted that the authorities "issued a constitutional declaration that was praised by some Syrians, while others expressed reservations, especially regarding the extensive powers granted to the president and ambiguity about the transitional phase," indicating that "we were consulted in the process, and some of our consultations were taken into consideration, while others were ignored."

The UN envoy identified two possible paths for Syria's future. The first "would return it to violence, instability, monopoly of power, conflict, and fragmentation, at a time when its sovereignty is routinely violated by external forces," considering that "this path is unacceptable and should not be pursued."

The second path includes "an inclusive political transition process, in which the Syrian people regain their sovereignty, overcome conflict, revive the economy, achieve their aspirations, and contribute to regional stability."

For her part, the United States representative to the Security Council expressed concern about the "constitutional framework project," noting that it "is not going in the right direction," calling on the interim authorities to "engage in an inclusive political process."

The American representative affirmed that her country "supports a political transition process that leads to a credible and non-sectarian government," warning that if "the committee drafting the permanent constitution does not represent everyone, it will fail."

The French representative to the Security Council expressed a similar vision, calling for "the continuation of national dialogue to include all Syrians," confirming his country's support "for the formation of a government that all Syrians feel is legitimate," and emphasizing the need to "take into account the interests of everyone in Syria, because they represent Syria's wealth."