UN General Assembly
2012

solution, one that supports the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people and allows for a democratic transition driven by the Syrians themselves, one in which they see their wishes reflected. Increased militarization of the conflict will undoubtedly lead to even more suffering for the civilian population, threaten the territorial integrity of Syria and increase the risks of destabilization for its neighbours and indeed for the region as a whole. The appointment of Mr. Lakhdar Brahimi, a diplomat whom we greatly respect, as the Joint Special Representative of the United Nations and the League of Arab States for Syria should be seen as a new opportunity for the parties to revisit their options, cease the violence and seriously engage in a process of political transition. For the Joint Special Representative’s mission to be a success, the Security Council will finally have to exert joint, continued and effective pressure on all parties and most certainly on the Syrian authorities, who bear primary responsibility for the current situation. The impasse in finding a lasting solution to the