Norway committed to a democratic post-Assad Syria

- Norway is committed to a democratic and unified post-Assad Syria. Military means alone will not lead to a lasting solution in Syria, said UN ambassador Geir O. Pedersen.

- Therefore the Security Council must find a way to promote a political transition towards a pluralistic, fully representative Syria, based on the Geneva communique, ambassador Pedersen said in Norway's statement in the Security Council debate on Wednesday.

He said the paralysis of the UN Security Council makes the situation (for the civilian population)worse. As a result, the basic dynamic of the conflict is not only being upheld, but also becoming entrenched in a logic of violence.

- While we wait for the Security Council to resolve the question of political transition, Norway urges the Council to take a clear and unanimous stand against the continuing and gross violations of international humanitarian law. The international community must , as an absolute minimum, stand up for basic principles of International Humanitarian Law, even if divided over the long-term political outcome, Pedersen said.

- The bloodshed must stop. We therefore urge all countries to stop the flow of weapons into Syria. A political solution to the conflict is the only way to save the Syrian people from further suffering, for which the regime bears primary responsibility. Therefore, our message to Assad is this: Change your approach and start transferring executive power with a view to enabling a meaningful political transition. Our message to the opposition groups is this: You must contribute to a meaningful political dialogue and negotiate within the framework of the Geneva communiqué.

- Norway supports the efforts by the opposition groups to organise themselves on a more inclusive and representative basis. We therefore welcomed the establishment of the National Coalition in November last year, and in the current situation Norway regards the Coalition as the legitimate representative of the Syrian people. We are assisting the Coalition in building up capacities to provide practical help on the ground and to train people for a future pluralistic and democratic Syria. The litmus test is whether we succeed in making the situation better for all Syrian people, ensuring that the rights of all minority groups are protected. So whether you are man or woman, Alawite, Druze, Kurd, Sunni, Shia or Christian, you should be guaranteed a role in shaping the future of Syria.

- We are facing a humanitarian crisis of colossal proportions. The Syrian Government has shown a flagrant disregard for the humanitarian consequences of its indiscriminate warfare. The opposition groups are also guilty of serious disrespect for fundamental humanitarian principles regarding the protection of humanitarian personnel and installations. We therefore call on the Syrian Government as well as the opposition groups to respect international humanitarian law, to respect fundamental human rights, and to desist from the despicable practice of gender-based violence. Those responsible for crimes against humanity and war crimes must be held accountable.

- Since March 2011, Norway has provided USD 75 million in humanitarian assistance to Syrian refugees and to those who are suffering inside Syria. We urge all UN member states to step up their humanitarian and other support, and to ease the burden on the neighbouring countries. We need to and will do more, the Norwegian UN ambassador said.

(Press release)