The United Nations Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, announced from Damascus that no new date has been set for the next round of constitutional committee meetings so far.
The international envoy stated, after his meeting with Foreign Minister, Faisal Miqdad, in Damascus, that he discussed with Miqdad “the military situation, the economic situation, the humanitarian situation and the political process related to that,” noting that he had in-depth discussions that lasted for more than two hours, according to what the official website reported. to the United Nations.
Pedersen spoke that he highlighted the importance of what he considers “the possibilities of a new openness to the political process,” in response to journalists’ questions about the economic sanctions imposed on Syria, and whether there has been any change in this regard.
On a question about some changes in the political arena towards Syria, especially on the part of the Arab countries, and whether this will help move the political solution forward, Pedersen said, “We must now analyze not only the position of the Arabs, but also the American, European, Turkish and Russian position, and Iran, in addition to developments in Syria as well.”
He explained that he sees the possibility now to start exploring what he called a “step-by-step approach, where we put on the table well-defined, verifiable steps”.
And the United Nations website quoted Pedersen as saying that there is “a possibility now to start exploring possible ways to start moving forward with this process,” expressing his hope to continue these consultations in Geneva as well in the near future.
Pedersen also expressed his hope to start building some confidence between the parties, noting that “the issues related to the humanitarian situation and the economic challenges in Syria should be an integral part of that.”
Pedersen had postponed his visit, which was scheduled for the 30th of last November, due to an outbreak of a new mutant (Omicron) for (Covid-19),” according to what diplomatic sources told Al-Watan newspaper.
The seventh round of the Constitutional Committee’s meetings was supposed to be held at the end of this year, but the sources said that the round was postponed until after Christmas and New Year’s, and perhaps to early February.
On December 2, Pedersen confirmed through his account on “Twitter” his continuation of his efforts to move forward with the work of the Constitutional Committee, exerting greater effort among the participants, and emphasizing the finding of a meaningful political path in Syria.
Pedersen visited Damascus before the start of the sixth round, on September 11, and discussed with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Faisal Miqdad, the need for all countries to abide by international law and the United Nations Charter within the framework of their international relations.
And the sixth round sessions ended, on October 18, without reaching an agreement, and Pedersen described the talks at the time as a “major disappointment.”
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