“Now is the moment to build a future Syria based on justice and the rule of law…Now is the moment for the international community to deliver on its promise of “never again”, to help deter future violence and acts of revenge.”
Geneva 25 February – The Foreign Minister of Liechtenstein, H.E. Ms. Dominique Hasler, and the Minister of State of Qatar, H.E. Ms. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad, hosted a ministerial-level briefing for the IIIM and supportive Member States earlier last week. Ministers and other diplomatic representatives reiterated their support for the IIIM and the need to advance on accountability-related efforts swiftly. The briefing was especially notable as it marked the first-ever participation of an official representative of the Syrian Arab Republic. The Syrian Ambassador to the UN conveyed his authorities intentions to work with the IIIM towards transitional justice.
During the meeting, Mr. Petit gave an overview of the IIIM’s achievements over the years, including its support, and its recent engagement with the caretaker authorities, in particular Foreign Minister, Mr. Al-Shaibani. “I had a constructive introductory meeting with him. There is a clear interest to cooperate with entities such as the Mechanism, while we are still waiting for an official green light to operate in Syria in accordance with our mandate.”
Mr. Petit also expressed his appreciation for the instrumental role Liechtenstein and Qatar played in the establishment of the IIIM in 2016 in the General Assembly, thanking them and other Member States for their ongoing support. Given the recent change in situation and previous budgetary shortfalls, Mr. Petit reiterated the IIIM’s estimated funding gap of approximately USD 7.5 million.