UN official stresses the importance of mobilizing international support for the success of Syria's political transition process
Washington, Aug 27 (KUNA) -- A UN official said on Thursday that Syrians need tangible improvements in their daily lives and a promising future in their country, emphasizing the importance of mobilizing international support for the success of the political transition process in Syria.
Claudio Cordone, the UN Special Envoy’s deputy for Syria, stressed in a briefing to the Security Council on the situation in Syria the continued UN cooperation with Syrian authorities, adding that “our goal remains to enhance and develop this cooperation through the presence of a restructured office in Damascus.”
Cordone welcomed the US decision to remove Syria from the list of state sponsors of terrorism, stating that such steps could help create more favorable conditions for economic recovery and investment, and expand international engagement with Syria.
The deputy envoy affirmed the need for greater clarity regarding the Security Council’s oversight role over the executive branch, as the Syrian People’s Council adopted its internal regulations and awaited the commencement of its substantive work.
On the drafting of a permanent constitution for the country, Cordone said, “We encourage the adoption of a comprehensive, transparent, and participatory process capable of establishing a new social contract for Syria.”
He pointed to the issuance this month by the Damascus Assize Court No. 4 of death sentences against several former officials, including former President Bashar al-Assad, who was tried in absentia, after they were convicted. He called for strengthening guarantees of fair trial by providing effective legal representation and ensuring the right to appeal fully, covering both facts and legal issues.
The UN official also addressed the continuation of Israeli military activities in southern Syria, including repeated ground incursions, home searches, and the destruction of private and agricultural property, particularly in Quneitra and the Yarmouk basin. In this regard, Cordone noted that “the continued Israeli presence east of the ceasefire line violates Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and contradicts the 1974 Disengagement Agreement.”
He reiterated that the Golan Heights remains occupied Syrian territory under international law and relevant resolutions of the Security Council and the UN General Assembly.
He also condemned an Israeli air strike on Abu al-Dhaher air base in northern Syria on August 18, describing it as a “concerning development.”
Conversely, Cordone welcomed the “significant” progress achieved during a meeting held on August 25 between Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Mazloum Abdi, affirming that it “represents continuous steps forward in the field of security and administrative integration in northeastern Syria.”
Cordone specifically welcomed Abdi’s announcement regarding the end of the SDF’s mission and its dissolution.
Regarding the situation in Sweida, Cordone clarified that “the governorate continues to experience a state of political and security stalemate,” stressing that ensuring the effective participation of all segments of society remains “essential.”
For his part, Endrika Ratwatte, Acting Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, said, “Syria is at a pivotal stage, and Syrians hope for a stable and prosperous future.”
Ratwatte pointed out that “after years of conflict, displacement, and economic deterioration, there are encouraging signs of recovery.”
He added that the number of Syrians returning to their homes is increasing, agricultural production is improving, energy and transport networks are gradually recovering, and commercial activities are reviving, alongside a noticeable improvement in humanitarian access compared to previous years.
He noted that Syria is witnessing the largest voluntary return movement in the region for more than a decade, while warning that “return does not mean the end of the need for humanitarian assistance.” (End) e.m.m / m.a.a
