The UN envoy evokes the "possibilities of progress" in Syria next year |UN info

The UN envoy evokes the "possibilities of progress" in Syria next year |UN info

"No one should expect quick miracles or solutions - the way to go will necessarily be progressive.But I hope that this coming year, we will be able to work on concrete measures with a view to implementing the Security Council resolution 2254, "he said.

This resolution, adopted in December 2015, draws a roadmap for a peace process in Syria, where a decade of war killed more than 350,000 people.

Strategic blocking

Six years later, it remains "regrettably far" to be implemented, said Mr..Pedersen."But I think there are possibilities for progress that must be explored in 2022," he added.

A "strategic impasse" continues on the ground for 21 months, he said, "making more and more obvious that no actor or group of existing actors can determine the outcome of the conflict, and thatA military solution remains an illusion ”.

In addition, all parties are faced with serious risks and costs "by simply trying to stick to an unacceptable status quo", he stressed, in particular in view of factors such as sufferings andcontinuous displacements, economic collapse, de facto division of the country and the dangers of a new escalation.

"The status quo has many dangers, and it would be foolish to be content to manage an unacceptable and deteriorating dead end," said Mr..Pedersen.

"Likewise, the realities faced by all parties should promote an interest in compromise and open up political advances on the political level," he said.

© UNICEF/Delil Souleiman
Les femmes, les enfants et les autres groupes vulnérables sont plus susceptibles de voir leurs droits fondamentaux affectés par des sanctions unilatérales.

A large -scale commitment

The United Nations envoy indicated that he highlighted this dynamic in all his commitments with those who can help end the fighting.

L'envoyé de l'ONU évoque les « possibilités de progrès » en Syrie l'année prochaine | ONU Info

"Each passing month, I have felt a wider awareness than before the fact that political and economic measures are necessary - and that they can really occur only together - step by step, step by step", did he declare.

M.Pedersen a récemment rencontré le gouvernement syrien à Damas, ainsi que les ministres des affaires étrangères de la région.He also informed the American, European, Arab and Turkish emissaries during their meeting in Brussels.

Overcome mistrust

"The feeling that I withdraw from all these commitments is that there is still great distrust on both sides," he said."Nevertheless, there is a sufficient interest in all parties to test what could be possible via a broader political process," he added.

To deepen this question, M.Pedersen a consulté de hauts responsables des principales parties prenantes syriennes et internationales.Until now, interviews have taken place in Geneva with Russia, the European Union, Turkey and Qatar.Consultations with other participants are also planned.

"Let me remember here that if the political solution in Syria must be owned and led by the Syrians, many questions are not only in the hands of Syrians.In addition, we have seen that when the main stakeholders work together, with mutual stages, on questions of common interest, at least some progress has been possible, "he said.

Update on the Constitutional Committee

At the same time, M.Pederson remains "actively committed" for the Syrian Constitutional Committee to meet again, while meeting representatives of civil society, in particular members of the Advisory Council for Women.

The Constitutional Committee is made up of an equal number of representatives of the Syrian government, the opposition and civil society, the "average third party".

An editorial process was started at his last meeting, which was held in October in Geneva, but it ended without consensus on how to move forward.

M.Pedersen a déclaré qu'il était important que les délégations ne se contentent pas de présenter des textes, mais qu'elles soient prêtes à s'engager à les réviser, à la lumière des discussions tenues ces dernières semaines à Damas et à Istanbul.

"To be clear: I am ready to convene a seventh session of the Constitutional Committee in Geneva as soon as the agreements are in place.And once they are, we will of course inform civil society of the average third for the preparation of a seventh session ”.

Transversal humanitarian aid

Meanwhile, the UN continues to provide help to millions of Syrians, in a complex operational environment.

The UN humanitarian affairs manager Martin Griffiths said that two transversal convoys were deployed in the northwest of the country.The last one took place a few days ago, and together they transported food and other supplies for around 80,000 people.Another is scheduled for January.

"Thanks to our access negotiations, we were able to identify acceptable solutions for all parties, but an agreement must be reached to find out who would be involved in the conduct of transversal convoys, and who would be authorized to distribute the aid",did he declare.Supported operations are necessary

A local team of the World Food Program (PAM) also began to distribute food last Thursday through a newly established mechanism, and the United Nations will continue to pressure so that these distributions continue.

M.Griffiths said that these first progress must result in more predictable and lasting humanitarian operations.

"We will continue to do everything in our power to facilitate these cross -border convoys - convoy once a month, delivery every week.And I call for all parties to facilitate, to help, and not to block the implementation of our plan ”.

With the winter that sets in, millions of Syrians are preparing for intense cold, including displaced people forced to live, for the moment, under tents.

"And I regret saying that the humanitarian operation simply does not have sufficient funds to provide basic shelters, heating and warm clothes to all those who need them," said Mr..Griffiths on the Council.

"As I say, we lack our responsibilities for the Syrian people," he said.

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