ALBAWABA - In a statement released by the State Department on Saturday, UN Special Envoy to Syria Geir Pedersen stressed the importance of providing humanitarian help to Syria “as soon as possible” after the overthrow of the Bashar Assad regime.
Pedersen discussed the situation in Syria with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken while attending international ministerial talks in southern Jordan.
"My message has been very clear the last few days, and that is what is so critical in Syria is that we see a credible and inclusive political process that brings together all of Syria, all communities in Syria," according to a statement by the State Department, citing Pedersen.
"The second issue is that we must ensure that humanitarian aid is provided as soon as possible and that state institutions do not fail. And maybe there is a fresh chance for the Syrian people if we can accomplish it," he continued.
During the meeting, Blinken stressed that the issues Syria has may be overcome by supporting a Syrian-led political transition.
He declared, "Our determination to work together to support a Syrian-led transition where the United Nations plays a critical role, particularly when it comes to the provision of assistance, to the protection of minorities, to all the work that needs to happen going forward,".
Meanwhile, the Turkish interior minister announced late Saturday that over 7,000 Syrians had left Turkey and returned home.
Before the regime tumbled, Ali Yerlikaya reported daily numbers on X for the number of Syrians returning "voluntarily, safely, honorably," and in a systematic way from Turkey: 310 people on December 6, 176 on December 7, and 240 on December 8.
