Pedersen voices concern over escalation of violence in Syria
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – The U.N. Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, voiced on Friday deep concern over the recent escalation of violence in Syrian cities, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities.
During a closed session of the U.N. Security Council, Pedersen stressed the urgent need to restore Syria’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, while also urging an end to all acts of violence.
On Dec. 25, protests and violent incidents erupted, coinciding with the circulation of a video on social media. The video, whose date of recording remains unclear, depicts a fire inside an Alawite shrine in Aleppo, with armed individuals visible at the scene.
Armed clashes were also reported in areas along the Syrian coast and in Homs. The Ministry of Interior in Syria’s caretaker government announced the deaths of 14 security personnel and injuries to 10 others, attributing the casualties to an ambush by “remnants of al-Assad regime” in the countryside of Tartus.
Highlighting the broad consensus surrounding Security Council Resolution 2254, Pedersen emphasized the importance of a Syrian-led political transition. He outlined key objectives, including the establishment of reliable, non-sectarian governance, constitutional reform, fair elections, and the active participation of women.