The situation in Syria is untenable and to carry on in the same manner defies humanity and logic, stated UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen on Wednesday.

Marking the annual anniversary of the Syrian conflict, Pedersen said that the challenges faced in responding to the catastrophic earthquakes were a stark reminder that the status quo is unsustainable and indefensible.

“As the Syrian conflict enters its thirteenth year, we remember with deep regret the countless lives lost, and recall the abuses and suffering of millions – not least the forcibly displaced, and the tens of thousands who remain arbitrarily detained, disappeared and missing”, added Pedersen.

He stressed that in the aftermath of the earthquakes, “we have a collective humanitarian imperative to depoliticize relief efforts”, and the need to access generous resources is greatly needed.

Pedersen stressed that Syrians will continue to suffer unless a comprehensive political solution to resolve their issues is found, one that restores Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and enables the Syrian people to live in dignity and chart their own future.

The UN envoy added that the earthquakes can be a turning point, seeing how in recent weeks, there have been humanitarian steps from all sides that have moved beyond previous positions, even if temporarily, indicating that the UN is seeking to apply the same logic on a political front and advance towards the comprehensive resolution of the conflict, in accordance with the Security Council resolution 2254 (2015). (end) ta.seo

Source: Kuwait News Agency