Pedersen warns of grave threat posed by foreign fighters

During a UN Security Council session devoted to discussing developments in the Syrian file, UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen warned that the relative calm in the country does not mean lasting stability, stressing that the risk of violence remains in the absence of genuine confidence-building measures.

The envoy indicated that the success of the transitional process in Syria depends on transparency, calling for a comprehensive program for security sector reform and disarmament, while warning of the grave threat posed by foreign fighters.

In a related context, he welcomed the joint efforts of the United States, Jordan, and Syria to form a working group aimed at supporting the ceasefire, expressing his concern about the deteriorating political climate in the country.

Regarding Sweida Governorate, the UN envoy expressed his hope that those responsible for the recent events would be held accountable, regardless of their loyalties, and called for the findings of the fact-finding committee to be made public.

The UN envoy to Syria also welcomed the contacts between representatives of North and East Syria and representatives of the transitional government in Syria.

He stressed the need to adhere to Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity, emphasizing that any progress toward stability requires practical steps to build confidence, otherwise the ceasefire will remain fragile and vulnerable to collapse.

For her part, the US representative emphasized the need to protect all Syrians, regardless of their affiliations, asserting that there is no place for sectarian violence in the country. She expressed her concern about the events in Sweida, calling for the accountability of members of the security services involved in violations.

The Russian representative emphasized that achieving justice is crucial to gaining the trust of the Syrian people, and that holding accountable those involved in the violence in Sweida and the Syrian coast is an absolute necessity. He revealed that 200,000 people were recently forced to leave Sweida, warning of worrying signs emanating from religious and ethnic groups that no longer feel safe. He added that Syria is facing difficulties in establishing a new system of government, calling for the unification of the people and the achievement of national reconciliation to confront the challenges.

ANHA