Syria has real opportunity to move from darkness to light: UN

UNITED NATIONS: Syrians have high expectations for their country, and a strong desire for people from across the social spectrum to come together and forge a new constitution.

At the same time, Najat Rochdi, the UN Deputy Special Envoy for Syria, told UN News, a media website, that the process must begin with an inclusive “national dialogue.”

Ms. Rochdi is in Damascus meeting several members of the transitional authorities to ensure all Syrians are able to participate in the country future, which is struggling to cope with an acute humanitarian crisis and faltering economy, it was pointed out. It’s her second visit to Syria since the fall of the Assad regime.

“The de facto authorities have shown, through their statements, a real willingness to take the country from where it was to something much better that meets the demands and aspirations of all Syrians,” she said.

“One expression that we hear in every meeting is that it is time to move from the darkness to the light. In that regard, we really welcome the decision to organize a national dialogue.

It’s very important that this dialogue factors in the voices of all Syrians, who have paid a very, very high price to get where they are today.”

Meanwhile, a team from the UN Commission of Inquiry on Syria has concluded a first visit to the country, taking crucial steps to promote dialogue and engagement with the new caretaker government.

Commissioner Hanny Megally led the team, which met with officials, including in the Ministries of Justice and Foreign Affairs.

Discussions covered justice for victims and families, the protection of mass graves and evidence, and continued engagement with the Commission, which was established by the UN Human Rights Council in August 2011.

Megally welcomed the willingness of the new authorities to continue engaging with the Commission on future visits.

This marks a significant shift as the former government had denied the Commission access since the start of its mandate.

We commend the new authorities for improving the protection of mass graves and evidence in detention centres, and encourage them to pursue these efforts further, also by utilizing relevant Syrian civil society organizations and international actors, he said.