UN Special Envoy urges sanctions relief, accountability for Syria’s recovery

The United Nations Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, has called for swift relief from Western sanctions following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, emphasizing the need for an inclusive political process and humanitarian aid to help rebuild the war-torn country.

Sanctions relief crucial for Syria’s reconstruction

In remarks during his visit to Damascus, Pedersen underscored the importance of lifting sanctions imposed by the European Union, the United States, and other countries.

These sanctions, which have been in place for years, were intended to limit Assad’s access to resources for military action. Now, with the Assad regime toppled, Pedersen stressed the need for these sanctions to be removed to facilitate Syria‘s reconstruction.

“We can hopefully see a quick end to the sanctions so that we can really see a rallying around the building of Syria,” Pedersen stated. He added that an inclusive political process, led by Syrians themselves, would be essential to rebuilding the country.

Political process, inclusivity

Pedersen called for a political process that involved all Syrians with the international community’s support. He emphasized this process should be led by Syrians, highlighting the importance of state institutions in restoring basic services, law and order, and security across the country.

“The change we’re now seeing after the fall of the Assad regime has been immense, creating great hopes, but there are many challenges still ahead,” Pedersen said upon his arrival. He added that one of the immediate priorities is re-establishing state institutions to ensure the delivery of basic services.

Urgent humanitarian aid for Syria

Pedersen also called for increased and immediate humanitarian assistance for the people of Syria, noting the significant humanitarian crisis in the country. He pointed out that Syria needs support not only for its citizens but also for refugees who wish to return to the country.

“We need to ensure increased and immediate humanitarian assistance for the people in Syria and for all refugees who wish to return,” Pedersen stated, highlighting the ongoing need for foreign aid.

Justice and accountability in post-Assad Syria

Pedersen urged for justice and accountability for crimes committed during the civil war, calling for the establishment of a credible justice system to ensure that those responsible for atrocities are held accountable.

“We need to make sure that justice and accountability for crimes go through a credible justice system and that we don’t see any revenge,” he said, further stressing that the recovery of Syria requires efforts grounded in justice rather than retribution.

Germany pledges action against Syrian torturers

Amid the calls for justice in Syria, Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock issued a stark warning to anyone involved in atrocities under Assad’s regime.

She vowed that Germany would take “the full force of the law” against anyone attempting to seek refuge in the country.

“To any of Assad’s torturers who might be considering fleeing to Germany now, I can only say clearly: We will bring all the regime’s henchmen to account for their terrible crimes with the full force of the law,” Baerbock said.

Gulf Cooperation Council supports Syria’s sovereignty

Meanwhile, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) expressed support for Syria’s sovereignty and stability in the wake of Assad’s removal from power.

Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi, Secretary-General of the GCC, reaffirmed the group’s commitment to Syria’s unity and security, stating that the “tragedy and suffering” of the Syrian people must come to an end.

“We stand with the brotherly Syrian people,” AlBudaiwi stated, emphasizing that the GCC supports all efforts to restore Syria’s stability.