The United Nations (UN) Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, has held a significant meeting with Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Muhammad al-Julani, the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group classified by the UN as a terrorist organization.
During the meeting, Mr. Pedersen emphasized the importance of establishing a credible justice system, stating, “We need to ensure that we do not see any acts of revenge.”
Sharaa, in response, advocated for revising UN Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2254 to reflect the current realities in Syria. He underscored the necessity of rapid and effective cooperation to address the pressing needs of Syrians while stressing Syria’s territorial integrity, reconstruction, and economic development. Sharaa also called for a favorable environment to facilitate the safe return of refugees and urged for both economic and political support to ensure the success of these processes. He cautioned that such measures should be implemented cautiously, under the supervision of expert teams, and without undue haste.
Adopted in December 2015, UNSC Resolution 2254 outlines a roadmap for political transition in Syria. The resolution envisages the establishment of a transitional administration following negotiations between opposition and regime representatives. These negotiations are to conclude within six months, leading to a transitional government tasked with drafting a new constitution within 12 months and conducting free and fair elections thereafter.
A Qatari delegation visited Syria on Sunday and met with officials of the interim government. Qatar reaffirmed its “full commitment to support the Syrian people” and announced the reopening of its embassy in Damascus after a 13-year closure. Unlike other Arab states, Qatar has refrained from normalizing relations with the Assad regime.
Türkiye reopened its embassy in Damascus on Saturday, marking a notable shift in regional dynamics.
Despite recognizing HTS as a terrorist organization, both the UK and the U.S. have confirmed recent contacts with the group. Additionally, French Acting Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot revealed plans for a French diplomatic team to visit Damascus on Tuesday. The mission aims to recover French real estate, establish preliminary contacts with the new authorities, and assess the immediate humanitarian needs in Syria.
Kaja Kallas, the High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, announced a high-level EU diplomatic mission to Damascus. Foreign ministers will deliberate on the bloc’s evolving relationship with Syria’s new leadership.
