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be resolved and a political solution found. They are the steps that the Syrian President needs to take today to defuse the crisis and send a clear signal that he is ready to change course. The Syrian government has said that it accepts the plan. This acceptance must now be translated into action on the ground. Speedy implementation is vital for the welfare and protection of the civilians, and it is essential for creating a platform for further dialogue and demonstrating to the Syrian people that the chance for peace is not lost. The opposition has made encouraging moves to unite under one umbrella. In this context, the Joint Special Envoy will work closely with members of the opposition towards a sustained cessation of armed violence and to further support their efforts to build unity. In fact, Deputy Joint Special Envoy Al Kidwa had extensive meetings during this conference, which proved extremely useful. In its Presidential Statement, the Security Council supported the concept of the Joint Special Envoy of an "effective United Nations supervision mechanism" for the envisaged "sustained cessation of armed violence in all its forms by all parties". We have, in close contact with the Joint Special Envoy, begun preliminary exploration of the modalities for such a mechanism, as well as for establishing a quick presence in Syria once the necessary conditions are in place. And, let me state those: a cessation of armed violence, the cooperation of all parties and authorization by the Security Council. Our efforts also focus on addressing the humanitarian situation. The preliminary findings of the government-led humanitarian assessment recently conducted with the technical participation of the UN show serious humanitarian needs, in particular for food, medical assistance and education. There has also been a noticeable deterioration in living conditions in many Governorates. An initial convoy carrying assistance for 2,000 displaced families was dispatched from Damascus to Tartous, and more aid is ready to be sent. Given the extent of the identified needs, the capacity of the humanitarian community in-country will need to be increased significantly in the coming weeks. It remains essential to preserve the independence and impartiality of humanitarian assistance. The support of regional and international actors continues to be crucial to advance the prospects of a democratic, reconciled Syria, in which all Syrians are free and equal. The fate of Syria belongs to the Syrian people, and it is their welfare and universal rights that we must protect as our highest priority. I appeal to you to unite behind our efforts to facilitate a Syrian-led political transition to a democratic, plural political system, in which citizens are equal regardless of their affiliations, ethnicities or beliefs. The stronger and clearer the message you can collectively send, the better the chance that we can begin to shift the worrying dynamics of this crisis in the direction of positive change