Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Caretaker Authorities topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
UN official raises concerns about composition, conduct of Syria's caretaker authorities
Summary
A senior United Nations official told the Security Council that Syria's newly formed caretaker authorities include figures from the former Idlib government and armed groups, and that reports of arrests, "combing" operations and alleged abuses risk undermining stability.
A senior UN official said the caretaker authorities now governing parts of Syria appear largely drawn from the former Idlib administration and include members of armed factions, warning that reported abuses and contested security arrangements could threaten stability.
The official told the Security Council that "caretaker authorities are formed largely of individuals from the former Idlib government" and that several governors have been appointed, "not all officially announced," who appear to be affiliates or members of armed groups. The statement said the authorities have published a first list of military appointments to a new ministry of defence that "appear to be drawn from a range of factions" and include fighters from foreign countries.
The UN official reported incidents that indicate uneven control on the ground: local forces in some areas have restricted access by forces affiliated with the caretaker authorities, particularly in the south, and reconciliation centres are processing the status of former army officials. The official said caretaker forces have conducted patrols and what they called "combing operations," arresting former officials and others they accuse of war crimes or of refusing to surrender weapons.
The official also cited circulating videos that "appeared to be abuses or extrajudicial killings of officials from the former regime," and said there are reports that some perpetrators have been arrested. The statement warned that plans for public-sector restructuring could leave many Syrians without livelihoods, a factor that could further jeopardize stability.
The UN official urged the caretaker authorities to "extend the hand of reassurances and trust to all communities in Syria, fostering the active engagement of all in building the new Syria," and said the UN is ready to work with the authorities to support a credible and inclusive political transition.
The remarks occurred during a Security Council briefing and reflect the UN official's assessment; the statement did not report formal measures taken by the Council.
Less-critical details: the official listed six points in the briefing and said that his deputy, Rochdi, and other members of the UN team were in Syria to follow up on outreach and planning.
