Syria Poised to Shift From Darkness to Light

That's according to Najat Rochdi, the UN Deputy Special Envoy for Syria, who is in Damascus meeting several members of the transitional authorities to ensure all Syrians are able to participate in the country's future, which is struggling to cope with an acute humanitarian crisis and faltering economy.

In an exclusive interview with UN News, Ms. Rochdi spoke on Friday to Reem Abaza. The interview has been edited for clarity and length.

UN News: This is your second visit to Syria since the fall of the Assad regime. Whom did you meet with this time and what are your main impressions?

Najat Rochdi: I never thought I would be able to witness something like this in my lifetime. It is extraordinary to see this level of joy, hope, and euphoria.

But this also comes with a lot of expectations. This is the time to rebuild everything that was destroyed, including rebuilding the dignity of all Syrians. We need to ensure that there is a seat for everybody, in terms of a fair representation of women and men of all Syrians, regardless of their religious, ethnic, cultural or geographic background.

Under the previous regime, communities were pitted against each other, so we are looking forward to a real social cohesion, whereby every Syrian is a full citizen, enjoying full rights and enjoying the same freedoms.

The de facto authorities have shown, through their statements, a real willingness to take the country from where it was to something much better that meets the demands and aspirations of all Syrians.

One expression that we hear in every meeting is that it is time to move from the darkness to the light. In that regard, we really welcome the decision to organize a national dialogue. It's very important that this dialogue factors in the voices of all Syrians, who have paid a very, very high price to get where they are today.