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ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - United Nations Special Envoy to Syria Geir Pedersen on Friday told the Security Council that Syria’s transition out of dictatorship should be inclusive and called for the holding of a “fair and free” election, weeks after the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
Pedersen briefed the Security Council in a closed-door meeting about the latest developments in Syria, telling its members that “The transition there should be Syrian-led and owned, ensuring credible, inclusive and non-sectarian governance, including also constitutional reform, the holding of free and fair election, and the meaningful participation of women,” Stephanie Tremblay, associate spokesperson for the secretary-general, told Rudaw during a press briefing.
Asked about concerns among Syria’s minorities about their future in the new state with the transitional government led by Islamists, the spokesperson said Pedersen “stressed that the challenges ahead are immense, and they cannot be underestimated… He also noted that the risk of escalation in several areas of Syria is concerning.”
A coalition of rebel groups spearheaded by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) overthrew the Bashar al-Assad regime on December 8. They formed a transitional government that claims to protect the rights of all ethnic and religious groups in the country.
However, there have been numerous reports of attacks on minorities, including Christians and Alawites. Kurds in the north are also defending themselves against an offensive by Turkish-backed militias.
The Syrian transitional authority announced earlier this month that it was suspending the constitution for three months and a committee would be established to propose amendments.
The transitional government will remain in power until March 1.
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