Press Releases

The inaugural session of the Assembly due to take place next week marks an important milestone in Syria’s political transition. I have followed closely today’s announcement of the 70 presidential appointees to the new People’s Assembly, who will join the 137 members already chosen through indirect…

A year ago, Syrians astonished the world by overcoming years of authoritarian rule—marking the first real chance in generations to reshape their country’s future after decades of conflict, unfathomable brutality, and profound human suffering. Over the past year—and in the many years leading up to…

The United Nations Deputy Special Envoy for Syria, Ms. Najat Rochdi, condemns the Israeli incursion into Syrian territory in the Damascus countryside, which has reportedly resulted in the deaths of civilians. The raid and accompanying strikes have also triggered the displacement of families from the…

Mr. Geir O. Pedersen has informed the Secretary-General of his intention to step down for personal reasons after more than six and a half years of service as the United Nations Special Envoy for Syria, and the Secretary-General has accepted his request. Mr. Pedersen is deeply indebted to, and…

The United Nations Special Envoy for Syria Mr. Geir O. Pedersen met today in Damascus with Syria’s Foreign Minister al-Shaibani, where they held a comprehensive discussion on the political transition process, including the People’s Assembly, and regional and international dimensions. The situation…

The Special Envoy for Syria, Geir O. Pedersen, is deeply concerned over the ongoing escalation of violence in Druze-majority Suweida governorate, which has so far claimed the lives of hundreds of civilians, as well as interim authority forces and local armed groups, and injured and displaced many…

The United Nations Deputy Special Envoy for Syria, Ms. Najat Rochdi, expresses deep concern over reports of violence and abductions in Sweida, which have resulted in significant casualties. The Deputy Special Envoy urges the Interim Authorities and local stakeholders to take immediate steps to…

United Nations Special Envoy for Syria Geir O. Pedersen condemns in the strongest possible terms the terrorist attack at St. Elias Church in Douileia, Damascus, which killed and injured civilians who were attending mass. He expresses his outrage at this heinous crime. He takes note that the Syrian…

United Nations Special Envoy for Syria Geir O. Pedersen condemns in the strongest possible terms the terrorist attack at St. Elias Church in Douileia, Damascus, which killed and injured civilians who were attending mass. He expresses his outrage at this heinous crime. He takes note that the Syrian…

The United Nations Special Envoy for Syria, Mr. Geir O. Pedersen is deeply concerned at unacceptable violence in Syria especially in suburbs of Damascus and also in Homs. He is alarmed at reports of civilian casualties and also casualties among security personnel and the potential for further…