Geir O Pedersen has called for a ceasefire in Lebanon and Gaza to avoid Syria and Iraq getting dragged into Israel’s wars in the Middle East.
He made the comments after meeting Syrian Foreign Minister Bassam Sabbagh in Damascus on Sunday.
“We agreed that it is extremely critical that we de-escalate so that Syria is not further dragged into this,” Pedersen said. “And you also have seen now increased nervousness in Iraq when it comes to development. So, as I said, we are at a very critical point. So, I will continue to call for immediate de-escalation.”
The envoy noted that Israel’s attacks on Lebanon have resulted in some 400,000 Syrians, who had sought refuge in the country during Syria’s civil war, to return home.
“This places a heavy responsibility on the government and the international community,” Pedersen said, calling on the Syrian government to continue to provide protection and security for the returnees.
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