UN official urges inclusive political transition, sanctions relief and accountability in Syria

A senior United Nations official, briefing the Security Council in New York, said Syria’s political transition is “at a critical juncture” and urged international support for an inclusive process, economic measures to ease civilian suffering, and accountability for acts of violence.

The official said it has been “only 4 and a half months since the fall of the former regime and the opening of a new chapter in Syria’s history” and that the country remains “inherently still extremely fragile.” The official called for “genuine political inclusion so that all Syrians can participate meaningfully in shaping their country's political future,” and said the legal vacuum preceding a recent constitution declaration had been “partly filled” but that much work remains.

The briefing listed specific concerns: a new cabinet that includes one woman among 22 members; lingering armed groups and a continued risk of revenge-driven attacks; reports of recent violence on the coast that have damaged confidence; and a need for transitional justice and rule-of-law measures. “Many women are telling us that they are worried about societal and political…