UN Envoy Discusses Syrian Political Deadlock with Egyptian FM

UN envoy to Syria Geir Pedersen holds talks in Cairo with Egyptian FM Shoukri. (Twitter)
UN envoy to Syria Geir Pedersen holds talks in Cairo with Egyptian FM Shoukri. (Twitter)
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UN Envoy Discusses Syrian Political Deadlock with Egyptian FM

UN envoy to Syria Geir Pedersen holds talks in Cairo with Egyptian FM Shoukri. (Twitter)
UN envoy to Syria Geir Pedersen holds talks in Cairo with Egyptian FM Shoukri. (Twitter)

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukri received in Cairo on Sunday United Nations special envoy to Syria, Geir Pedersen, who is on a tour of the region.

The two officials discussed the latest developments in the war-torn country, stressing the need to “revive the stalled political process.”

A foreign ministry spokesman said that Cairo is keen on restring the unity and stability of Syria.

A political solution, he continued, must be based on UN Security Council resolution 2254 and be implemented away from foreign meddling that undermines Syria’s stability.

These measures must coincide with efforts to combat terrorist and extremist groups in Syria, he added.

Moreover, Shoukri emphasized the need to direct greater international attention towards the humanitarian situation in several Syrian regions.

Pedersen said that he looks forward to maintaining coordination with Egypt on Syria in the future, revealed the spokesman.

The envoy later held talks with Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Abul Gheit, who called for ceasing foreign meddling in Syria.

He echoed Shoukri’s demands for reaching a political solution, said the Arab League spokesman Mahmoud Afifi.

Abul Gheit underscored to the envoy the central role his organization is playing in tackling the crisis, saying that the issue concerns first and foremost an Arab country.

Pedersen is set to travel to Lebanon on Tuesday.

Last week, the envoy had held talks with Saudi Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Assaf on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos.

On January 21, he met in Moscow with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, stressing the need to implement resolution 2254 to ensure the safe return of refugees to their homes.

Pedersen had kicked off his duties earlier this month by holding talks with Syrian officials in Damascus.



Sudanese Army Airstrikes Kill Dozens in Darfur

Smoke rises in the sky over Khartoum following armed clashes that left dozens dead and injured (AFP)
Smoke rises in the sky over Khartoum following armed clashes that left dozens dead and injured (AFP)
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Sudanese Army Airstrikes Kill Dozens in Darfur

Smoke rises in the sky over Khartoum following armed clashes that left dozens dead and injured (AFP)
Smoke rises in the sky over Khartoum following armed clashes that left dozens dead and injured (AFP)

More than 60 people have been killed and over 250 injured in airstrikes by the Sudanese military on the town of Kouma in North Darfur. This incident is being described by observers as one of the “largest massacres” of civilians since the conflict began.

Dozens more have died in separate attacks targeting the areas of Meilit, Wad Abu Saleh, and Um Duwain in Khartoum, with increasing calls for a ban on military flights by the Sudanese army.

Witnesses told Asharq Al-Awsat that the military targeted Kouma’s market on Friday morning, dropping explosive barrels that caused widespread destruction. Many victims were shopping at the bustling “Friday market,” and the death toll is expected to rise due to a lack of medical care for the injured.

The attacks are viewed as deliberate assaults on civilians, particularly since there were no Rapid Support Forces (RSF) present in the crowded market. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with bodies scattered throughout the area.

In Meilit, airstrikes also targeted a wedding celebration, killing about 13 people and injuring others. Activists and eyewitnesses deny the presence of the RSF in these locations, despite military claims that air operations are directed at them.

Political and human rights groups have condemned the escalating airstrikes and called for an immediate ban on military flights in Darfur.

The Civil Democratic Forces Coordination (Tagadum) stated that the Kouma market attack was a severe violation against civilians, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries.

The group expressed concern about ongoing violations against civilians in Sudan and highlighted the need for international attention to protect innocent lives. They urged the warring parties to cease hostilities and engage in negotiations to end the conflict.