UN warns of risk about renewed conflict in Syria

UN envoy to Syria Geir Pedersen has warned of the risk of "renewed conflict" and "further division" in the country.

Speaking via video from Damascus to a meeting of the UN Security Council on Wednesday, he said: "The challenges facing Syria are enormous, and the real dangers of renewed conflict and increased division have not yet been overcome." "I remain concerned about the risk of further violence, and the fact that such developments could undermine trust," he added.

He specifically referred to the attacks targeting the Alawite community in March and the "setback" of violence against the Druze community at the end of April.

Pedersen emphasized the need for the Damascus authority to "do more to ease tensions and maintain security and stability in the country," stressing that "the challenges facing Syria are enormous, and the real risks of a new conflict and further division have not yet been overcome."

He also expressed concern about the concerns expressed by many Syrian women about a range of challenges.

Sh-S

ANHA