UN: Syria reconstruction must depend on political transition

A woman gestures as she walks on rubble of damaged buildings after an airstrike in the besieged town of Douma in eastern Ghouta in Damascus, Syria. (Reuters)

LONDON: Reconstruction in Syria should hinge on “serious and comprehensive political transition,” and UN employees should not cooperate with Syrians linked to war crimes, according to a UN document obtained by Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper on Wednesday
The two-page document was compiled after reports that UN officials in Syria had visited regional countries to persuade non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to cooperate and coordinate efforts with Damascus.
The document lists strict standards and principles that UN employees should adhere to, including neutrality, integrity and independence.
The UN is ready to “facilitate reconstruction” in Syria once a serious, comprehensive and negotiated political transition is achieved, the document said.
Negotiations on reconstruction efforts should be carried out with governments concerned, while taking into consideration complicated political and legal aspects, it added.
The document highlighted the “very pressing” humanitarian demands in Syria, and the need to deliver aid.
According to UN data, out of 22 million Syrians 13.8 million need urgent aid, 5.5 million have been registered with UN refugee agency offices in the region, and 6.1 million are internally displaced.
Priority in delivering aid should be given to those most in need throughout Syria, and in a fair and non-politicized way, the document said, following complaints from NGOs that the aid was not being delivered fairly.
• The article was originally published in Asharq Al-Awsat on Feb. 7