TEHRAN (Iran News) – The Syrian Constitutional Committee, which began its first session in nine months in Geneva on Monday as part of efforts to find a political solution to the Syrian crisis war, was swiftly put “on hold” after three members tested positive for COVID-19, the United Nations said.
On Monday, US Syria envoy James Jeffrey told reporters that the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad had agreed to take part in the week-long Syrian Constitutional Committee amid COVID-19 outbreak.
The session, organized by UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen, is aimed at making make progress in drafting a new Syrian charter to pave the way for UN-sponsored elections, in line with a stalled 2015 UN Security Council resolution.
The office of UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen did not identify which three of the 45 members of the Constitutional Committee were infected. One third is nominated by the Syrian government, one third by the opposition, and one third by civil society.
“Committee members were tested before they travelled to Geneva, and they were tested again on arrival, and the wearing of masks and strict social distancing measures were in place when they met at the Palais des Nations,” the statement said, Reuters reported.
“Following a constructive first meeting, the Third Session of the Constitutional Committee is currently on hold. The Office of the Special Envoy will make a further announcement in due course,” it said, adding that Swiss authorities had been informed and contact-tracing was underway.
- source : Tasnim, Iran News
