U.N. to Jolani: Syria must have a 'credible' transition
The Hindu
UN envoy meets with Syrian leaders to discuss credible and inclusive political transition following Assad's overthrow.
The United Nations told the leader of the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group which toppled Bashar al-Assad that Syria must have a "credible and inclusive" transition.
The UN special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen who arrived in Damascus on Sunday, has met Abu Mohammed al-Jolani — who now goes under his real name Ahmed al-Sharaa — Mr. Pedersen's office said Monday in a statement on Telegram.
He also met interim Prime Minister Mohammed al-Bashir, it said.
Mr. Pedersen met them after Saturday's international meeting on Syria in Jordan, and stressed "the need for a credible and inclusive Syrian-owned and led political transition based on the principles of United Nations Security Council resolution 2254 (2015)".
The UN envoy also underlined "the intention of the United Nations to render all assistance to the Syrian people", and was briefed on their "challenges and priorities", the statement added.
It said Mr. Pedersen had several engagements planned in the days ahead, but did not elaborate.
Mr. Assad was toppled by a lightning 11-day rebel offensive that swept down from northwest Syria, with fighters entering the capital on December 8.
An Indian-origin man dies of cardiac arrest after an eight-hour wait for treatment in a Canada hospital's emergency room.
Indian doctoral student Shivank Avasthi was shot dead near the University of Toronto, prompting a homicide investigation by police.
Prosecutors seek a 10-year prison sentence for former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol for obstructing arrest efforts.
Japan's cabinet approves a record $785 billion budget, balancing fiscal policy with debt management amid rising borrowing costs.
Turkiye begins analyzing black boxes from a jet crash that killed Libya's military chief and seven others, amid ongoing investigations.
A new storm in Southern California threatens increased flooding and mudslides, exacerbating damage from previous heavy rains.
Russian court sentences pro-war activist Sergei Udaltsov to six years in prison for justifying terrorism against President Putin.
Kim Jong Un orders expansion of North Korea's missile production and new factories to enhance military capabilities in 2026.
U.S. conducts airstrike in northwest Nigeria against ISIS militants targeting Christians, following requests from Nigerian authorities.
The White House directs military focus on enforcing a "quarantine" of Venezuelan oil to exert economic pressure on Maduro.
The U.S. seized or intercepted three Venezuelan oil tankers — Skipper, Centuries, and Bella 1 — for carrying crude or trading with sanctioned entities. These ships are examples of the shadow fleet, showing how countries like Venezuela bypass sanctions, prompting the U.S. to order a physical blockade.
Tarique Rahman reunites with ailing mother, ex-PM Khaleda Zia, in Dhaka after 17 years, marking a significant family moment.
Lebanon reports two deaths from an Israeli strike near the Syria border, amid ongoing tensions and a ceasefire violation.