UN calls for reevaluation of Syrian opposition's status

A senior UN official has said that international powers working toward a peaceful transition in Syria may need to reconsider the "terrorist" labels placed on the Islamist group that led the rebellion to overthrow Bashar al-Assad. 

There is “no way to exclude” Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a splinter group of a former al-Qaeda affiliate, which advanced into Damascus after leading the swift offensive that ended the Assad family’s decades-long rule over Syria, UN’s special envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen told Financial Times, Caliber.Az reports.

However, Pedersen emphasized that removing the “terrorist” designations imposed by the US and the EU—which include travel bans and asset freezes—would depend on the actions of the rebels on the ground, particularly if the group is willing to adopt an “inclusive” approach in forming a new government.

“If it includes all Syrians, all Syrian communities, then I think that those who are dealing with these questions I’m sure will be willing to look at it [the designations] and to see if it is really a change that has taken place,” Pedersen stated.

US officials have indicated that they are engaging with all Syrian factions and will assess HTS leaders based on their actions.

"We will intend to engage with them appropriately and with US interests in mind," said one US official, adding that the terrorist designation is something the US will "have to look to down the line." 

On December 9, the EU called for an “orderly, peaceful and inclusive transition” in Syria that would protect religious minorities, while also expressing its support for Geir Pedersen’s efforts. However, any decision to lift the terrorist designation on Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) would require unanimous approval from the 27 EU member states. The German foreign ministry also stated that Berlin’s position on HTS would be based on how the group treats minorities. 

By Naila Huseynova