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U.N. envoy meets Syrian authorities as U.N. warns northeast hostilities hinder relief and repairs
Summary
U.N. special envoy met with Damascus caretaker authorities to discuss transition support while U.N. humanitarian offices reported intensified hostilities in northeast Syria that are curtailing aid and delaying repairs to Tishrin Dam, leaving hundreds of thousands without water and power.
The United Nations said its special envoy for Syria held substantive talks with Damascus caretaker authorities on the country's transitional process and on U.N. support for a Syrian-led, inclusive political transition.
Farhan, the U.N. spokesperson, said the envoy stressed the importance of respecting Syria's sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity and of an inclusive, credible transition "led and owned by the Syrians." The spokesperson added the envoy plans to continue consultations with a wide range of Syrian stakeholders.
On humanitarian conditions, the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported intensified hostilities in northeast Syria between Jan. 16 and 18 that killed at least three civilians and injured 14 in and around Manbij and areas near the Tishrin Dam. The resulting insecurity has impeded humanitarian access and delayed repairs to the Tishrin Dam, which the spokesperson said has deprived more than 410,000 people of water and electricity for roughly six weeks.
The U.N. also reported damage to civilian objects and marketplaces after an improvised explosive device detonated in Manbij and said more than 24,000 displaced people remain in over 200 collective emergency centers across northeast Syria. The spokesperson reiterated that all parties must uphold obligations under international humanitarian law and must facilitate safe and unimpeded humanitarian operations.
Ending note: The U.N. said it continues to provide food, cash, winter and health assistance where security allows and urged parties to enable repairs and humanitarian access so essential services can be restored.
