UNA-UK Chairman Sir Jeremy Greenstock has welcomed today's meeting of world leaders at the United Nations as a step forward for the Syria peace process. Sir Jeremy, a former UK ambassador to the UN, recognised that it was necessary for Prime Minister David Cameron to put political differences aside for the sake of the Syrian people.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 live, Sir Jeremy considered that while President Assad has inflicted too much "terrible human rights and humanitarian damage" to remain Syria's leader, it may be necessary for him to have a temporary role in the peace process. He recognised that this would require a degree of compromise from Western leaders - who have persistently called for an end to the regime - and increased dialogue between the West and Russia.
When asked whether the situation in Syria might have been different had Britain supported US-led air strikes in 2013, Sir Jeremy responded:
Air strikes on their own don’t amount to very much ... they don’t do anything for the political situation, and no one has seen how to forge out of a disparate and sometimes very violent (even amongst themselves) Syrian opposition, an alternative Government to President Assad. That's been Assad's saving.
Instead, said Sir Jeremy, "working together with the Russians" to support Syria's transition into peace is the only solution. "I understand there may be an intention of the Prime Minister to speak to President Rouhani of Iran", added Sir Jeremy. "That’s all for the good in my view, the Syrians and their suffering have got to come first."
Click here to listen to the interview on Radio 5 Live (02:54)
