The Constitutional Committee includes a wide spectrum of Syrian society

Pederson explained that the committee provided the opportunity for 50 Syrians from diverse backgrounds representing a wide spectrum of Syrian society to exercise their right  Without officially representing any party, noting that their mere presence and sitting together and their willingness to start dialogue and negotiations is strong evidence that there is hope for Syrians everywhere.

Pederson called on the members of the committee to be patient and persevere, work on solutions acceptable to all, and engage constructively during the performance of the task entrusted to them, expressing his hope, and by showing goodwill, to build trust and create a positive climate for continuous work.

Pederson said that the presence of the members of the Constitutional Committee in Geneva is based on several basic principles represented in respect for the Charter of the United Nations, Security Council resolutions, Syria’s sovereignty, unity, independence, and territorial integrity, in addition to the nature of the process being led and owned by Syria, in addition to broader goals. It is the holding of elections under the supervision of the United Nations in accordance with the Security Council Resolution 2254.

According to Mr. Pedersen, the mandate of the members of the Constitutional Committee, within the framework of the Geneva process facilitated by the nations, is as follows:

“Preparation and drafting of constitutional reform to be submitted for public approval, as a contribution to the political settlement in Syria and to the implementation of resolution Security Council 2254 Constitutional reform embodies, among other things, the Twelve Living Basic Syrian-Syrian Principles in letter and spirit in the Syrian Constitution and Syrian constitutional practices The Constitutional Committee may review the 2012 Constitution, including in the context of other Syrian constitutional experiences, and amending the current constitution or drafting a new constitution.”