UN envoy calls for increased aid for Syria
The secretary-general’s special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, has called for increased humanitarian aid in Syria amid “immense” changes that offer hope to a nation emerging from a 13-year-long war.
Mr Pedersen arrived in Damascus over the weekend and held meetings on Sunday with key figures in the region. Among those he met was Ahmed al-Sharaa, the leader of the new administration, who previously went by the nom de guerre Mohammad Al-Jolani.
Additionally, Mr Pedersen met with Mohammed al-Bashir, the prime minister of the caretaker government. These discussions highlight ongoing political developments in the area.
The secretary-general’s special envoy arrived there a week after President Bashar al-Assad was overthrown by rebel forces led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTC).
Mr Pedersen noted the “immense” change since the fall of the Assad regime.
“This change in itself creates great hopes, but we all know that many challenges still lie ahead. So we have to get it right from the beginning,” he said in a statement.
He considered it necessary to launch a political process that includes all Syrians and which “must obviously be led by the Syrians themselves.”
The second challenge is to ensure that state institutions are operational, he said, with service delivery, public order and security being “extremely important”.
On the humanitarian crisis, he said it was necessary to ensure that Syria receives “immediate increased humanitarian assistance” for the population and for all refugees who want to return.
“This is extremely important,” he stressed.
As for the issue of economic recovery, he said “we need to make sure that this is resolved quickly.”
“We hope to see a quick end to sanctions, so that we can really see a rallying around the reconstruction of Syria.”
He also considered it necessary that justice be done. He said the perpetrators of crimes across the country must be held accountable.
“We must ensure that this happens through a credible justice system, and that we will not see any revenge,” Mr Pedersen said.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Heading 4
Oyo govt condemns exclusion of Makinde from Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode road flag-off
The government said reducing the event to a political gathering was taking politics too far.
Heading 5
Troops nab three suspected gunrunners, rescue six kidnap victims in Zamfara
According to the spokesperson, the intervention by the troops disrupted the terrorists’ operation.
States
Troops rescue kidnap victim, recover AK-47 rifle in Kogi
The army said the criminals abandoned their position and fled into the surrounding terrain.
Heading 3
Peter Obi supports fuel subsidy removal, says fund should be better managed
Mr Obi said funds saved from subsidy should be channeled to better the lives of Nigerians.
World
Canada announces recruitment of nurses, dentists, pharmacists, psychologists from Nigeria, other nations
The categories of skilled people need to meet Canada’s growing economic needs and emerging industries.
States
KASU-ASUU: KDSG sets up committee, approves N300 million earned allowance
The committee has four weeks to conclude its assignment and submit recommendations to the government.
