UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen has voiced deep concern about the increasing violence in Syria. In a statement released in Geneva, he urged all parties to exercise the utmost restraint.
"I deeply regret the loss of life on all sides," expressed the envoy, underscoring the importance of "urging all parties to exercise maximum restraint." He emphasized, "Today's horrific scenes serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for de-escalation of violence, a swift transition to a nationwide ceasefire, and a collaborative effort to combat UN Security Council-listed terrorist groups." Pedersen stressed that "All parties must adhere to their international law obligations and prioritize the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure."
Pedersen expressed deep concern over several developments in Syria, including the attack on a military school in Homs resulting in numerous casualties and the subsequent shelling of Idlib. These incidents followed weeks of significant escalation in northwestern Syria, characterized by pro-government airstrikes and attacks by the UN Security Council-listed terrorist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.
The UN envoy also highlighted alarming reports of increased violence in northeastern Syria, including Turkish airstrikes that targeted civilian infrastructure. This escalation occurred in the wake of an attack on Turkish government facilities in Ankara, claimed by the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).
Pedersen emphasized, "Today's developments further underscore the unsustainable nature of the status quo in Syria. Without a meaningful political path to implement Security Council resolution 2254 (2015), I fear we will only witness further deterioration, particularly in the security situation."
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Russian Foreign Ministry
Based on materials from TASS