AFP reported that speaking at the Security Council on December 17 (local time), UN special envoy for Syria - Mr. Geir Pedersen expressed concern about the fierce fighting between Turkish-backed armed groups and Kurdish forces in the past two weeks, before a temporary ceasefire was established.
“The five-day ceasefire has expired and I am deeply concerned by reports of a possible military escalation. If this were to happen, the consequences would be catastrophic,” Pedersen said. Shortly after Pedersen’s speech, the US announced that it had successfully extended the ceasefire in the town of Manbij until the end of the week.
Pedersen also called for an end to sanctions to support post-war reconstruction in Syria. “A comprehensive political process will be key to getting the economic support Syria needs,” he said. He said Syria’s urgent humanitarian needs cannot be addressed without broad international support, including lifting sanctions and implementing comprehensive reconstruction.
Nearly 13 million people in Syria are facing severe food insecurity, and more than 1 million have been displaced from their homes in just the past two weeks, the new UN humanitarian chief, Tom Fletcher, said.
“Despite major changes on the battlefield, the situation for the Syrian people has not improved. Humanitarian needs are increasing rapidly,” Mr. Fletcher said.
Mr Fletcher also reported that Syria’s new leaders have pledged to dramatically expand humanitarian assistance. However, Mr Fletcher warned of escalating violence in northeastern Syria and called for urgent action to de-escalate tensions.
Meanwhile, Israeli attacks and terrorism concerns were also raised. Pedersen condemned more than 350 Israeli air strikes in Syria since the fall of President Bashar al-Assad’s government, including a major strike in Tartus. He said these actions increased the risk to civilians and hindered the political transition in Syria.
Regarding the Golan Heights area occupied by Israel since 1967, Mr. Pedersen demanded that Israel stop settlement construction activities, which are considered illegal.
Meanwhile, US Ambassador to the United Nations - Linda Thomas-Greenfield - warned about the risk of the Islamic State (ISIS) group rising and stressed that Syria should not become a haven for terrorist groups.
The Security Council stressed the importance of an “inclusive and Syrian-led” political process to ensure a peaceful, independent and democratic future for the country.
“This process must meet the legitimate aspirations of all Syrians, protect them and allow them to determine their own future,” the council said in a statement.
The conflict in Syria has lasted for more than a decade and has left behind devastating consequences, from human loss and humanitarian crisis to complex geopolitical disputes. The current international mediation efforts, despite many obstacles, are seen as an opportunity to shape a new chapter for Syria.
