UN official urges faster formation of Syria's People’s Assembly to salvage transition

A United Nations agency official told the council that "Syria's political transition is at a critical phase," and urged quick action to constitute the People’s Assembly so the legislature can begin debating new laws and reviewing executive action.

The official said that indirect elections in Hasakah and Al-`Arab (Kobani) took place peacefully and under secure conditions, but that "more than eight months since the main elections, the People's Assembly has still not been constituted, awaiting the presidential appointment of a third of its members," a delay that is "generating anxiety." The official said Syria needs the Assembly to be able to represent diverse voices, especially women, as the transition advances.

To support the legislature, the official said the UN is already working "to ensure that targeted and coordinated UN support is provided to the parliamentary members in delivering on their mandate" and emphasized the importance of readiness for debating new laws and reviewing executive action.

Recalling the constitutional declaration, the official warned that Syrians are expected to adopt a permanent constitution and hold full national elections by the end of the transitional period, now described as "less than four years away," and urged that these processes be sovereign, inclusive and supported by careful preparation and international assistance.

The speaker also announced a third recent visit to Damascus with meetings planned next week to continue advancing dialogue with ministers, the National Commission for Transitional Justice, civil society and women's groups.

The agency official concluded by urging continued engagement between Syrian authorities and the United Nations to help consolidate state institutions and build the rule of law; the official said the mission's relocation of Geneva staff to Damascus would facilitate further work.