GENEVA, Dec 8, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - The UN envoy for Syria said the country was
at "a watershed moment" on Sunday after rebels declared they had taken the
capital, Damascus.

Describing Syria's drawn-out civil war as a "dark chapter (that) has left
deep scars", special envoy Geir Pedersen said: "Today we look forward with
cautious hope to the opening of a new one -- one of peace, reconciliation,
dignity and inclusion for all Syrians".

"Today marks a watershed moment in Syria's history -- a nation that has
endured nearly 14 years of relentless suffering and unspeakable loss," he
said, extending his "deepest solidarity to all who have borne the weight of
death, destruction, detention and untold human rights violations".

President Bashar al-Assad's reported flight from Damascus comes less than two
weeks after the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) launched a
lightning offensive challenging more than five decades of domination by the
Assad family.

Assad had ruled Syria since 2000, when he inherited power from his father.

Since 2011, he had overseen a crackdown on the democracy movement, which
began with peaceful protests.

The Assad government's repression of the protests morphed into one of the
bloodiest wars of the century, killing hundreds of thousands of people and
displacing millions.

Pedersen acknowledged in a statement that "the challenges ahead remain
immense", stressing however: "This is a moment to embrace the possibility of
renewal... (and) a path toward a united and peaceful Syria."

The UN special envoy emphasised "the clear desire expressed by millions of
Syrians that stable and inclusive transitional arrangements are put in place,
that Syrian institutions continue to function".

He said the Syrian people should be helped to realise their "legitimate
aspirations... (to) restore a unified Syria".

The statement said Pedersen had heard from many Syrians, including armed
groups and civil society organisations, and had noted "a will to protect
their fellow Syrians... against retribution and harm".

He appealed to all armed parties to "maintain... law and order, protect
civilians and preserve public institutions".

He urged Syrians "to prioritise dialogue, unity and respect for international
humanitarian law and human rights as they seek to rebuild their society".

"There must be a collective effort to secure peace and dignity for all."