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UN envoy, Security Council briefed on Syrian transition as humanitarian crisis worsens
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Summary
Special Envoy Geir Pedersen reported to the Security Council on steps toward a Syrian‑led transition, including a preparatory committee for a national dialogue; UN officials warned that the humanitarian crisis affects over 70% of Syria’s population and appealed for $1.2 billion to support 6.7 million people through March.
The UN said Wednesday that Special Envoy Geir Pedersen updated Security Council members on the political transition in Syria, including the caretaker authorities’ official announcement of a preparatory committee for a national dialogue conference. The statement said the caretaker authorities have committed to consulting closely with the envoy on steps toward a Syrian‑led, Syrian‑owned transition.
The briefing also relayed comments from Joyce Msuya, assistant secretary‑general for humanitarian affairs, who said the humanitarian crisis in Syria is affecting more than 70% of the population. Fighting in and around Menbij in eastern Aleppo has displaced more than 25,000 people, the briefing said, and hostilities have continued in Raqqa and Hasakah governorates.
UN officials said Pedersen’s mission stands ready to offer counsel and support to the parties. The briefing repeated a consolidated humanitarian appeal of $1,200,000,000 to reach 6,700,000 people through March; UN speakers emphasized the need for predictable access and coordination as the situation shifts.
Reporters asked whether the envoy had engaged with Kurdish representatives; the spokesperson said Pedersen is reaching out to all parties and had been in contact with entities representing Kurds in past years and would continue to do so. The briefing did not specify a timetable or concrete deliverables from the preparatory committee, and Pedersen’s statements to the Council were referenced for further detail.
