UN chief says future of Syria up to Syrians, UN will help

Guterres calls for calm during political transition as UN envoy Pedersen describes potential "turning point" after 14 years of conflict.

DECEMBER 8, 2024 20:53

Updated: DECEMBER 9, 2024 05:35

UN Sec.-Gen. Antonio Guterres speaks at a Security Council meeting earlier this year. The UN, which was created in part as a response to the horrors of World War II, has singled out Israel in a way that resembles the legal discrimination that led to the persecution of Jews in the 1930s and 1940s. (photo credit: Eduardo Munoz/Reuters) — UN Sec.-Gen. Antonio Guterres speaks at a Security Council meeting earlier this year. The UN, which was created in part as a response to the horrors of World War II, has singled out Israel in a way that resembles the legal discrimination that led to the persecution of Jews in the 1930s and 1940s.

(photo credit: Eduardo Munoz/Reuters)

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Sunday that the future of Syria is a matter for the Syrians to determine and that his special envoy, Geir Pedersen, "will be working with them towards that end."

"There is much work to be done to ensure an orderly political transition to renewed institutions. I reiterate my call for calm and avoiding violence at this sensitive time, while protecting the rights of all Syrians," Guterres said in a statement.

Gutteres called on the international community to support the people of Syria, saying that any political transition must be "inclusive and comprehensive and that it meets the legitimate aspirations of the people of Syria, in all their diversity."

"The UN will honor the memory of those who have borne the brunt of this conflict. We remain committed to helping Syrians build a country where reconciliation, justice, freedom, and prosperity are shared realities for all. This is the path to sustainable peace in Syria," he concluded.

Geir Pederson

Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pederson labeled the ongoing conflict in Syria "a turning point."

After 14 years of brutal war & the fall of the dictatorial regime, today the people of Syria can seize an historic opportunity to build a stable & peaceful future.The future of Syria is a matter for the Syrians to determine. @UNEnvoySyria will work with them towards that end.…
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) December 8, 2024

"A nation that has endured nearly 14 years of suffering (…) Today we await with cautious hope the opening of a new chapter, one of peace, reconciliation, dignity,” he said.