Brussels, 15/05/2014 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 15 May, Europeans commended the Joint Special Representative of the United Nations and the Arab League for Syria, Lakhdar Brahimi, after he announced on 13 May that he will be resigning on 31 May. In a press release, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton thanked Brahimi “for his tireless efforts and his unwavering commitment and effort to bring about a political situation to the conflict in Syria”. “In spite of the fact that the Geneva 2 peace talks have not produced the desired outcome, Mr Brahimi must be commended for his perseverance in launching the first attempt at direct mediation between the warring sides”, Ashton added. She said she was “committed” to promoting a sustainable political process that would lead to a Syrian-led democratic transition in Syria.
Germany's Minister for Foreign Affairs Frank-Walter Steinmeier regretted Brahimi's decision, stating that he had “great respect” for Brahimi's “commitment to peace in Syria”.
United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said that he had had to accept Brahimi's resignation “with reluctance” and “with a lot of concern about the continuing violence and without any prospect at this time for any political solution”. He also said he appreciated Brahimi's diplomacy and great patience and perseverance, despite a mission that Ki-moon described as nearly impossible. For the time being, “we will have to coordinate with the League of Arab States and other key partners about the political possible successor”, he added.
Brahimi, who is 80 years old, said he was very sad to leave Syria behind in such a bad state, and he wondered how many more deaths and how much more destruction would be necessary before Syria again becomes the country he once knew. Brahimi took up his post in August 2012 after the resignation of Kofi Annan. (CG)