Diplomacy can solve Syrian conflict-New Syria envoy

Lakhdar Brahimi
Syrian envoy

Diplomacy can solve Syrian conflict-New Syria envoy

New Syrian envoy, Lakhdar Brahimi, has said he is convinced that diplomacy could still play a real role in solving the Syrian conflict, which has claimed more than 20,000 lives since the uprising began in March last year.

"I don't know if there's any conflict that hasn't ended with some kind of negotiation, with some kind of diplomatic phase," he said.

Mr. Brahimi said the international community cannot afford to turn its back on the war-torn country.

"The UN, and I suppose the Arab League as well, simply cannot just say 'this is a difficult job, let's look away. We will go into this with a lot of good will, a lot of determination, but a lot of humility as well," he stated.

Experienced mediator
Lakhdar Brahimi, a Nobel Peace laureate, has vast experience of handling conflict-stricken states.

He was a UN envoy in Afghanistan before and after the September 11, 2001 attacks, and in Iraq after the 2003 invasion.

Representing the Arab League, Brahimi helped end the Lebanese civil war in the 1980s, negotiating with the Syrian government of the time.

Full support
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Arab League chief, Nabil Elaraby, both back Brahimi's appointment, UN spokesman Eduardo del Buey said. He added that achieving a diplomatic solution to the Syrian crisis remained a top priority for the UN.

"The [UN] secretary-general appreciates Mr Brahimi's willingness to bring his considerable talents and experience to this crucial task for which he will need, and rightly expects, the strong, clear and unified support of the international community, including the Security Council."

Diplomats have said all Security Council members support the appointment of Brahimi.

The new Syria envoy is expected to arrive in New York next week, to meet Ban and discuss plans for a fresh approach to Syria.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has also endorsed Brahimi as the new international envoy.

She said: "My message to Special Envoy Brahimi is simple: The United States stands ready to support you and secure a lasting peace that upholds the legitimate aspirations for a representative government of the people of Syria."

Britain says it "fully supports" Brahimi's appointment, welcoming the "vast experience" he brings to the role of seeking a political solution to the Syrian violence.

ALJAZEERA/Ibisaki/Hajia Sani