Syria stands at moment of opportunity, but risk remains: UN chief

UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Thursday that Syria stands at a moment of opportunity, but if the situation is not managed carefully, there is a real risk that transitional progress could unravel.

"The people of Syria stand at a moment of history -- and a moment of opportunity. That opportunity cannot be missed," Guterres said at a press conference.

"But nothing is guaranteed," he added. "If the ongoing situation is not managed carefully -- by the Syrians themselves, with the support of the international community -- there is a real risk that progress could unravel."

The UN chief emphasized that the political transition ahead must be "by Syrians, and for Syrians," and it must be "inclusive, credible and peaceful."

All communities must be fully integrated into the new Syria. The rights of women and girls must be fully respected. And the process must be guided by the underlying principles of Security Council resolution 2254, he said.

"We are focused on facilitating just such a process. My special envoy Geir Pedersen was in Damascus this week. I have been in close contact with a number of leaders from across the region and beyond," Guterres added.

Meanwhile, Guterres reminded all parties not to underestimate the scale of the challenges that lie ahead. "While the situation has stabilized in parts of Syria, the conflict is far from over. Civilians remain at risk -- killed, injured, and displaced. Over the last two weeks, we have seen significant hostilities in the north. ISIS continues to be a major threat in many parts of the country," he said.

"This is a decisive moment -- a moment of hope and history, but also one of great uncertainty," Guterres said. "Some will try to exploit the situation for their own narrow ends. But it is the obligation of the international community to stand with the people of Syria who have suffered so much."

He stressed that Syria's future "must be shaped by its people, for its people, with the support of all of us." ■