The UN Syria Envoy, Gair Pedeshen, warned of risks that could derail the country's political transition, calling for prudence and a long-term strategy, reported "Agence France-Presse", quoted by BTA.
He also condemned Israel's attacks on Syria's territorial integrity and stressed the risks they pose.
„The decisions taken today will determine Syria's future in the long term. We have both opportunities and real dangers,“ Pedeshen told a UN Security Council meeting, noting that it was one month since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime.
Syria's new de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, who faces challenges in uniting the country after decades of war, has pledged to disband armed factions and create conditions for peace. He said that organizing elections could take about four years and planned to set up a committee to prepare a conference for national dialogue.
Pedeshen welcomed the initiative for the expanded committee but warned that the process should not be rushed. “There is a huge opportunity to build new foundations for lasting peace and stability in Syria, but mistakes or missed opportunities could jeopardize the country's future and create new instability,“ he said.
Pedeshen stressed that key areas of Syria were not under the control of the transitional authorities, the conflict was ongoing, and the country faced real threats to its sovereignty and territorial integrity. He also expressed concern about the Israeli army's attacks on the demilitarized zone in the Golan Heights, as well as attacks on civilians and infrastructure.
“Attacks on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria must stop,“ the UN envoy insisted. He added that Israeli airstrikes in other parts of Syria could also jeopardize the chances of a peaceful transition, referring to the recent airstrikes on Aleppo.