UN envoy warns against Syria collapse at crisis talks
The UN special envoy for Syria has called on the international community to help maintain vital institutions in Syria following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government almost a week ago.
Geir Pedersen made the remarks at a meeting on Saturday with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in the Jordanian Red Sea resort city of Aqaba where top Arab, Turkish, EU and US diplomats have gathered to hold high-level talks on the Syrian crisis.
“We need to make sure that state institutions do not collapse, and that we get in humanitarian assistance as quickly as possible,” Pedersen said.
“If we can achieve that, perhaps there is a new opportunity for the Syrian people,” he added.
Pedersen also called for a "credible and inclusive" political process to form the next Syrian government.
Blinken, for his part, said that the United Nations "plays a critical role" in humanitarian assistance and protecting minorities in Syria.
Jordan is hosting a meeting of foreign ministers to discuss support for Syria after the fall of Bashar Assad.
Armed militants, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), took control of Damascus on December 8 and declared an end to President Assad’s rule in a surprise offensive that was launched from their stronghold in northwestern Syria, reaching the capital in less than two weeks.
The HTS militant group, supported by the US and its regional allies, has promised to form an inclusive government but the UN says the situation remains "fluid".
Pedersen recently said he saw many challenges ahead for stabilizing Syria.
Regional countries have urged Syrians to work to avert a spiral into chaos after the HTS stormed and captured the capital Damascus.
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