United Nations, Dec 2 (NationPress) UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir O. Pedersen cautioned that the recent events unfolding in Syria present significant dangers, urging all involved parties to prioritize the protection of civilians and seek a resolution to the conflict through meaningful and substantive negotiations.

In recent days, there has been a notable shift in the frontlines of Syria, particularly with significant advancements by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a group that continues to be classified as a terrorist organization by the Security Council, Pedersen stated in a press release on Sunday.

After nearly 14 years of ongoing war and turmoil, these latest developments pose grave threats to civilians and have profound implications for both regional and international peace and security, he cautioned, reaffirming his commitment to advocate for civilian protection and de-escalation, according to Xinhua news agency.

Pedersen emphasized, “As an immediate priority, it is crucial for all parties to adhere to their responsibilities under international law to safeguard civilians and civilian infrastructure,” adding that this serves as a clear message to all parties engaged in any form of hostilities.

He has persistently warned about the dangers of escalation in Syria, stating the perils of merely managing the conflict instead of resolving it, and the reality that no Syrian faction or existing coalition of actors can solve the Syrian crisis through military means.

Pedersen called upon Syrian factions and key international players to earnestly participate in meaningful and substantive negotiations to find a path out of the conflict. “Without this, Syria risks further division, deterioration, and devastation,” he remarked.

The special envoy urged for prompt and serious political engagement among Syrian and international stakeholders to prevent bloodshed and concentrate on a political resolution in line with Security Council resolution 2254 (2015).