Pedersen calls for an immediate cease-fire in Syria .. Al-Jaafari confirms the government’s commitment

The UN envoy to Syria, other than Pedersen, called for the need to achieve sustainable calm through a ceasefire at the national level, saying that “this is not required today, but is required now.”

While addressing Security Council members, through video technology, on Monday, he pointed out that years of conflict have led to the deterioration or destruction of the health care system, stressing that the virus does not care if you live in areas controlled by the government or outside it, saying that “the virus exposes all Syrians.” At risk. ”

Pedersen expressed concern about Syria’s inability to contain Covid-19 due to widespread population movements and serious overcrowding in displacement camps, informal shelters and places of detention. In addition, the absence or weakness of the government in addition to the weak health system and the shortage of health professionals and health materials and equipment all add to the crisis.

The Special Envoy concluded his speech by expressing his hope that everyone will work urgently and with a joint effort. He said: “This in turn will undoubtedly help in the efforts made on the political track to implement Security Council Resolution 2254 calling for a ceasefire and a political settlement in Syria… I am convinced This is the only way forward. ”

During the session, the permanent representative of Syria, Bashar Jaafari, responded by saying that the Syrian government has committed to all cease-fire agreements, despite our lack of confidence in the Turkish side, which did not respect the Astana understandings.

He added, Pedersen conveyed to the Security Council the approval of the Syrian national delegation on the agenda that he set to resume the work of the constitutional commission, which did not leave any pretext for the other party to evade its responsibilities, especially that his empty maneuvers and futile attempts were responsible for obstructing the committee’s work.

For his part, the Emergency Relief Coordinator, Mark Lowcock, told the members of the Security Council that as of Monday morning, 10 cases of Covid-19 had been confirmed in Syria, including one death.

But he added: “Looking at other countries, what has happened in Syria so far is only the tip of the iceberg, with the possibility that the virus will have a devastating impact on vulnerable communities across the country.”

Source: “United Nations News” + “Al Watan”