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Brahimi’s successor needs to build good relations with both Syrian sides — diplomat

UN Secretary General will apoint a new special envoy for Syria in the coming days

MOSCOW, May 14. /ITAR-TASS/. The successor of the United Nations and Arab League special envoy for Syria Lakhdar Brahimi will have to build good relations with both Syrian sides and external actors, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov said on Wednesday, May 14, following Brahimi’s resignation.

“Who will succeed Brahimi at this post will depend on the UN Secretary-General’s decision. We think that apart from professional training and authority, the most important thing Brahimi’s successor will need is the ability to build relations with both warring sides - the government and the opposition,” the diplomat said.

It is also important how Brahimi’s successor arranges his work with external actors. “Their role will also be vital to how the settlement process goes. This is why we hope that this will be an experienced and professional politician who is known in international circles and who can take up the achievements made by his predecessor Brahimi,” Gatilov said.

“As far as we understand, the UN Secretary-General intends to take a pause at this point and return to the appointment of Brahimi’s successor within the next several weeks,” the diplomat said.