UN "Reviewing Delisting of Syrian Rebel Groups as Terrorist Organizations"

The United Nations has announced that it is considering delisting Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the main faction of the rebel forces that ousted Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria, from its list of terrorist organizations.

According to the British daily The Guardian on the 10th (local time), Geir Pedersen, the UN Special Envoy for Syria, said that if the Syrian rebel forces form a truly inclusive transitional government, the UN would consider removing HTS from the terrorist organization list.

Syrians are celebrating the overthrow of the Bashar al-Assad regime. Photo by AFP Yonhap News

However, Special Envoy Pedersen added that Syria cannot be governed in the same way HTS ruled northern Idlib, its stronghold. This means that social and political inclusiveness must be demonstrated to qualify for delisting as a terrorist group. Pedersen had previously mentioned the possibility of delisting HTS as a terrorist organization at the UN Security Council on the 9th.

Pedersen said that so far the rebel forces have been cooperative, but Syria still stands at a crossroads and the situation remains very fluid. He stated, "It has been nine years since the resolution was adopted, and so far the reality is that HTS and other armed groups are sending a positive message of unity and inclusiveness to the Syrian people," but added, "There is no doubt that HTS is an Islamist group based in Idlib province. Syria cannot be run like Idlib." He also said, "The messages coming from armed groups have generally been positive so far, but the most important thing is to see this realized on the ground."

Pedersen said the international community has agreed on urging a transitional body that includes all communities to govern Syria. He said, "We need to focus on reliable and inclusive transitional measures in Syria," adding, "If this does not happen, there is a risk of new conflicts in Syria."

Among the concerns he cited were the fate of the Alawite community near the Russian naval base, ongoing clashes between the Syrian National Army and Syrian Kurds, and Israel's incursions into Syria.

He especially called on Israel to immediately halt its attacks on Syria. He said Israel's actions in the Golan Heights violate the 1974 UN agreement and demanded that the bombing stop at once.

The Syrian rebel forces, led by HTS, declared victory on the 8th after ousting the Assad regime. The rebels decided to operate a transitional government to prepare for the formation of a new government until March 1 of next year, appointing Muhammad al-Bashir, an HTS member, as interim prime minister.