United Nations special envoy Geir Pedersen on Wednesday called for "free and fair elections" in Syria and the immediate provision of humanitarian aid following the removal of President Bashar al-Assad earlier this month.

Speaking to reporters in Damascus, Pedersen expressed optimism about a potential turning point in the country’s future. “There is a lot of hope that we can now see the beginning of a new Syria,” he said, emphasizing the importance of a “political solution” that includes all regions, including the Kurdish-controlled northeast.

Pedersen highlighted the significance of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2254, adopted in 2015, as a framework for Syria’s future. The resolution outlines the need for a new constitution, a transitional government, and democratic elections. “We need a new Syria that will adopt a new constitution and hold free and fair elections after a transitional period,” Pedersen stated.

The comments come after opposition forces captured Damascus on December 8, ending al-Assad’s decades-long rule. Pedersen stressed the urgency of international support for rebuilding Syria, lifting sanctions imposed under the previous regime, and facilitating economic recovery.

“We need immediate humanitarian assistance, but we also need to ensure Syria’s long-term economic recovery and reconstruction,” he said, as cited by AFP.

Concerns Over the Northeast

Pedersen also addressed escalating tensions in Syria’s northeast, where the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) face growing pressure from Turkey-backed armed groups. Ankara considers the SDF’s main component, the People’s Protection Units (YPG), an extension of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which Turkey has designated as a “terrorist organization”.

The United States announced on Tuesday that it had mediated an extension to a fragile ceasefire in the contested town of Manbij and was working toward a broader understanding with Turkey.

“I’m pleased that the truce has been renewed and seems to be holding,” Pedersen said, adding that “a political solution to this issue is crucial for long-term stability.”

The UN envoy called on the international community to rally behind Syria’s reconstruction efforts while supporting a political transition to ensure lasting peace.