New Syrian Constitutional Committee: Foreign Secretary statement

The United Nations Secretary General has today announced the formation of a Syrian Constitutional Committee as part of the UN led political process for peace in Syria. The UK welcomes the step and the efforts of UN Syria Envoy Geir Pedersen.

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said:

After eight years of horrendous conflict, this is a welcome first step towards the peace that the Syrian people so desperately need. The regime and its backers must now show that they are committed to finding a resolution to this conflict, by engaging in good faith with the constitutional committee.

Alongside this, all parties need to return urgently to the previously agreed ceasefire, and to protect civilians.

Background

• The Foreign Secretary will host a meeting on Syria with Egypt, France, Germany, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the US at the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday 26 September.
• The UK would only consider providing reconstruction assistance if it sees genuine progress towards a credible, inclusive political settlement.

Further information