Norway supports peace efforts in Syria

“The whole world is following developments in Syria with deep dismay. Lakhdar Brahimi is working on behalf of the UN and the Arab League to find a political solution to the conflict. His task is as important as it is difficult, and we are providing NOK 1.2 million to support his efforts,” State Secretary Torgeir Larsen said.

Joint Special Representative of the UN and the League of Arab States Lakhdar Brahimi is the international community’s representative in the efforts to find a peaceful solution to the civil war in Syria. He is in contact with all parties to the conflict, and with other countries in the region and major global powers. Norway’s allocation is being provided to support Mr Brahimi’s efforts to achieve a political solution to the conflict, and to support work to plan the UN’s future role in Syria. A lack of agreement on Syria at the regional and international level is making Mr Brahimi’s task all the more difficult.

“Peace efforts cannot be abandoned even though there is international disagreement on how a solution can be found. All countries fully support Mr Brahimi’s efforts, but he and the UN now also need additional support in financial terms,” Mr Larsen said.

Torgeir Larsen is participating in the meeting of the Friends of Syria group in Marrakech on 12 December. He met the National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces on 11 December.

In 2012 Norway has provided NOK 210 million in humanitarian assistance to Syria.