UN, US, and Russia call for participation NE Syria in peace talks

UN Special Envoy to Syria Geir Pedersen welcomed the unified stance of the UN Security Council on Syria during a session held today, emphasizing that the situation in Syria’s coastal region presents an urgent challenge. He added, “We are in need of a comprehensive political process in Syria.”

Pedersen called for perpetrators of violence to be brought to justice, stressing that “interim authorities must protect all segments of Syrian society.” He also conveyed the Council’s concerns regarding the presence of foreign fighters in Syria, noting that he had held a candid discussion with the head of the Damascus authority, Ahmad al-Shara’, and Foreign Minister As’ad al-Shibani, during which he communicated the Security Council’s grave concerns about the dangers posed by foreign combatants.

The envoy expressed alarm over the continued incidents of violence and called for the adoption of a negotiation framework to reintegrate northeast Syria into the political process. He emphasized the importance of “reincorporating the country’s northeast into an intra-Syrian process aimed at restoring national unity,” while acknowledging the complexity of disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of various armed factions.

A Dire Political and Economic Situation

Pedersen further noted that the situation in Syria remains highly fragile, with an urgent need for broader political inclusivity. He warned of a deep sense of exclusion among segments of the Syrian population and described the economic situation in the country as “catastrophic.”

Joyce Msuya, Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, reported during the session that “more than half of Syria’s population is suffering from food insecurity.”

Washington: We Coordinate with the SDF to Combat ISIS

U.S. Ambassador to the UN Dorothy Shea stated during the session that the United States is coordinating with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in its ongoing efforts to combat ISIS mercenaries. She affirmed that U.S. Central Command remains prepared to intervene if necessary, despite the announced reduction of American forces in Syria. Shea also urged nations to repatriate their citizens affiliated with ISIS who are currently detained in Syria.

She asserted that the Damascus authority is responsible for combating terrorism, refraining from aggression against neighboring countries, and removing foreign fighters. She emphasized that Washington does not trust the Damascus authority and opposes transferring detainees to its areas of control, to ensure they do not escape accountability.

Russia and the U.S. Call for Accountability for Coastal Region Crimes

Ambassador Shea also expressed her country’s insistence on holding the Damascus authority accountable for all individuals responsible for the events in the coastal region, reaffirming the principle that no one is above the law. She noted that the U.S. continues to monitor the actions of the new Syrian authorities.

Russian Ambassador to the UN Vasily Nebenzya also addressed the situation, noting continued tensions along the Syrian-Lebanese border and within the coastal region. He called for a transparent and impartial investigation into the coastal incidents and for all those involved to be brought to justice. He added, “We currently host some refugees from coastal towns at the Hmeimim Airbase.”

Nebenzya also acknowledged progress in the dialogue between the Damascus authority and the Autonomous Administration of NE Syria.

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ANHA