UN Special Envoy for Syria said on Monday that months of “potentially significant diplomacy” to resolve the crisis in Syria have not yielded any outcomes or political momentum for the war-weary population.
“I hope they will soon, because if not, it will be another missed opportunity to help the Syrian conflict to come to a negotiated end, at a time when the impact of the crisis is deepening,” Geir Pedersen said, briefing the Security Council.
The speaker expressed disappointment that despite positive humanitarian gestures in response to the devastating earthquakes in February, the extension of UN cross-border relief operations faced obstacles such as a Russian veto and failure to reach a resolution during discussions two weeks ago.
“Syria remains territorially divided with Syrian society too divided on many issues”, stressed Pedersen.
Pedersen called on the Syrian Government to work proactively with the UN on a political path out of the conflict, and also highlighted the need for “constructive and coordinated international diplomacy”.
“The more you can work together despite your differences, the more you can encourage and support the Syrians to do the same,” he urged the 15-member Council.
