The UN envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, called for Syria to be avoided from further involvement in the events in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip.
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“My message is that we need to be confident in the need for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon and not allow Syria to become further involved in the conflict at a very critical stage in the region, especially in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon,” Pedersen told reporters after the meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Bassam Sabbagh.
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“We agreed that Israeli attacks on Syria are extremely dangerous and we need to de-escalate so as not to drag Syria into this. This issue requires action from the international community, I will continue to urge all stakeholders to de-escalate,” the UN envoy added.
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At the same time, he said, the situation in Syria has become more complicated with the return of more than 400 thousand Syrians from Lebanon to the country, which places great responsibility on the Syrian government and the international community.
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“We need the Syrian government… to provide protection and security to returnees. We need the international community to step up to the plate and increase funding for Syria in this critical situation,” the UN envoy said.
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Pedersen pointed to the “urgent need to return stability to Syria” by comprehensively resolving all issues, first of all, resolving the political situation, restoring the security, sovereignty and independence of Syria, supporting its economy, discussing the issue of sanctions, as well as the problem of kidnapped, detained and displaced persons.
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“The beginning could be a political process by resuming meetings of the Constitutional Committee. I will continue to discuss this with the government and the opposition,” the UN envoy added.
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Pedersen arrived in Damascus on November 20, where he held a meeting with the opposition National Coordination Committee.
