U.N. Special Envoy Meets Head Of Syrian Rebels..."Hope to end sanctions"

A U.N. envoy met with a rebel leader who toppled the Syrian regime to discuss issues related to the transfer of power.

The U.N.'s special envoy to Syria Yeir Pedersen met with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and HTS chief Ahmad al-Shara in Damascus on the 15th local time and said he hoped sanctions would end quickly for Syria's economic recovery.

In particular, Pedersen called for a "credible and comprehensive political transition led by Syria in accordance with the principles of UN Security Council Resolution 2254."

In the photos of the meeting, Alshara was greeted by special envoy Pedersen in a shirt and a jacket, not a military uniform.

Pedersen also referred to al-Shara as the "commander of the new administration" in a statement, reflecting his view of recognizing HTS and al-Shara as members of the transitional government to take over the Syrian regime.