After nearly two decades of turmoil, the United Nations is calling for a significant shift in the approach to ending the Syrian conflict. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the urgent need for a nationwide ceasefire and a return to the UN-facilitated political process.
In a recent statement, Guterres highlighted the devastating impact of the latest offensive launched by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and other armed opposition groups into areas controlled by the Syrian government. The UN chief criticized past efforts, describing them as a \"chronic collective failure\" that has failed to produce lasting peace or effectively implement Security Council resolutions.
\"We are seeing the bitter fruits of a chronic collective failure of previous de-escalation arrangements to produce a genuine nationwide ceasefire or a serious political process to implement Security Council resolutions,\" Guterres stated. He urged all parties involved to engage earnestly with Geir Pedersen, the UN special envoy for Syria, to develop a new, inclusive, and comprehensive strategy aligned with Security Council resolution 2254.
Guterres underscored the importance of restoring Syria's sovereignty, unity, independence, and territorial integrity while addressing the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people. The call for serious dialogue comes as rebel forces have recently seized major cities like Aleppo and Hama, following the Syrian army's strategic withdrawal and redeployment from Hama.
The international community remains hopeful that renewed diplomatic efforts and a committed ceasefire can pave the way for lasting peace and stability in the region, ultimately ending the prolonged suffering of millions of Syrians.
Reference(s):
UN chief calls for ceasefire in Syria, return to political process
cgtn.com
