Pederson: We will support agreement between SDF, Ahmed al-Sharaa.

In his address to a UN Security Council session on Syria, UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen stated that, less than four months after the fall of the former regime, there are still immediate challenges facing Syrians, and that the Syrian people have tremendous concerns that have become abundantly clear over the past month.

He added, "Syria stands at a crossroads. One path will lead to a return to violence and instability, while the other path is viable: a comprehensive political transition in which the Syrian people regain their sovereignty, move beyond this conflict, revive their economy, achieve their legitimate aspirations, and contribute to regional stability."

He added, "Many Syrians in the Sahel have faced a horrific cycle of devastating violence, resulting in large numbers of civilian casualties and heightened fear and anxiety among many about the future."

He expressed deep concern about the massive civilian death toll, including widespread summary killings of civilians and unarmed individuals, including accounts of entire families being executed at close range, as well as serious violations of a sectarian and retaliatory nature, including the targeting of Alawites.

Pederson stressed the need for a full and transparent investigation into the events on the Syrian coast, noting that mass killings occurred during the clashes, and that the clashes on the Syrian coast revealed the urgent need for effective accountability.

Pedersen also welcomed the agreement signed between Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) Commander Mazloum Abdi and Damascus President Ahmad al-Sharaa on March 10, stressing his support for the process.

T/S

ANHA