UN may remove HTS from terror list if 'it doesn't run Syria like Idlib'

The United Nations may consider removing the Syrian rebel group - Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) - that toppled President Bashar al-Assad regime - off its list of designated terrorist groups if it passes the key test of forming a truly inclusive transitional government in Syria.

UN may remove HTS from terror list but there’s a condition

The UN special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen suggested removing HTS from list of proscribed terrorists groups, but said that it could not seek to govern the country in the way it had governed Idlib.

The HTS was based in the northern province of Idlib and it had led the military breakout from there which had led to the sudden collapse of the Assad regime last week.

Israel needs to stop bombardment

Pedersen, during a briefing in Geneva, also said that Syria remained at a crossroads and that the situation was extremely fluid.

He further urged Israel to immediately stop its land and aerial attacks inside Syria, calling the development “very troubling”.

“The bombardment needs to stop,” Pedersen said, adding that Israel’s actions around the Golan Heights represented a violation of the disengagement agreement signed with the UN in 1974.

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During a close session on Monday, Pedersen in brief to the United Nations Security Council, said that initial signs from the armed groups in Damascus were encouraging in that they were co-operating and eager to protect existing state institutions.

Addressing the issue of the future terrorist status of HTS, Pedersen said it was undeniable that UN resolution 2254 designated the precursor to HTS – the al-Nusra Front – as a terrorist organisation. “It is a complicating factor for all of us”, he said.

“We have to be honest and look at the facts. It has been nine years since that resolution was adopted and the reality so far is that HTS and other armed groups have been sending good messages to the Syrian people of unity and inclusiveness. In Hama and Aleppo there have been reassuring things on the ground.”

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He further said that there was no doubt that HTS was an Islamist group based in Idlib province. “My message is Syria cannot be run like Idlib," he further said.

Pedersen also said that HTS had itself discussed dismantling the organisation, and reforming as group overtly opposed to international terror, a means whereby the terrorist designation issue could be bypassed.

During his briefing in Geneva, Pedersen said the international community at the UN had been united in pushing for a cohesive Syria run by a transitional body that is inclusive of all communities. The risk is that behind this facade of unity lay rival factions and countries determined to advance their individual interests.

Speaking in Geneva, Pedersen said: “We need to focus on credible and inclusive transitional arrangements in Damascus. This means we need orderly inclusive arrangements, ensuring the broadest possible representation of Syrian society and parties. If this is not happening, we risk new conflict in Syria.”

“So far the messaging coming out by and large from the armed groups is positive but what is extremely important is that we see this implemented on the ground," he further said.

With inputs from agencies.