By Álvaro Mellizo
Damascus, Dec 15 (EFE).- Syria marks one week since President Bashar al-Assad was overthrown by an insurgent coalition, with the United Nations taking its first steps to engage with the country’s new transitional government.
Geir Pedersen, the UN special envoy for Syria, arrived in Damascus on Sunday, making him the first international official to visit under the new regime.
Speaking upon his arrival, Pedersen acknowledged the profound changes unfolding in Syria since the fall of the Assad regime.
“We can hopefully see a quick end to the sanctions so that we can really see a rallying around the building of Syria,” Pedersen told reporters in Damascus.
“We need to get the political process underway that is inclusive of all Syrians. That process obviously needs to be led by the Syrians themselves.”
The Fall of Assad
The insurgent coalition, led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), overthrew Assad’s government in just 12 days of intense fighting, ending 53 years of rule by the Assad family.
The acting prime minister, Mohamed al-Bashir, now oversees the transitional government, while Ahmed al-Sharaa (known as Abu Mohamed al-Jolani), leader of HTS, is emerging as the de facto “strongman.”
Key Challenges for the New Syria
During his visit, Pedersen outlined several pressing priorities for Syria’s transition, including an inclusive political process. “We need to get the political process underway that includes all Syrians. That process needs to be led by the Syrians themselves.”
He said institutional rebuilding needed to be done on an urgent basis to stabilize the country.
The UN envoy said immediate relief was critical for Syrians within the country and refugees seeking to return.
Pedersen underlined the need for a credible justice system to address crimes committed during the conflict, warning against revenge-driven actions.
Return to Normalcy
Daily life in Syria is slowly resuming under the transitional government. Schools reopened on Sunday, with children seen carrying the “new” Syrian flag, which replaces the red with green and features three stars.
Public institutions, universities, and commercial banks have also resumed operations.
Temporary committees have been formed to manage universities, and banks are working to restore ATM services.
The transitional government is moving quickly to restore normalcy, but immense challenges remain as Syria begins its journey toward rebuilding and reconciliation. EFE
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