Today is my last day as the UK’s Special Representative for Syria. It has been a privilege to work on such a difficult, tragic but important issue. And although it has often been frustrating, we cannot and must not stop trying. A (final) thread.

Syria stands on the edge of a precipice – wracked by a socio-economic crisis that worsens with every week. But these problems are but a symptom of a bigger political malaise, and there are no credible answers from the regime or its backers on how this gets fixed.

But a solution is at hand: UNSCR2254 offers a roadmap to a more inclusive, unified, stable and prosperous Syria. But too many of those with influence on the regime still try to preserve an unsustainable political status quo. All Syrians pay an increasing price for this delay

Of course there will need to be compromise and flexibility – from Syrians across the political spectrum & from the international community too. But no one wins when Syria burns – except Daesh and others who want Syria weak. A decade of conflict is far too long; it must stop

The good news is that there are many, many people who want Syria to succeed, to rebuild, and to prosper. Syria has so many genuine friends in the international community – brilliant people, doing whatever they can to alleviate suffering and to move this crisis forward.

And I’m hugely proud that lots of them are my colleagues. The UK will continue to stand with Syria: providing humanitarian aid; calling out atrocities & pushing for accountability; and using our global diplomatic network to build consensus for a just resolution of the crisis.

Because Syria’s fate matters: not just to the Syrian people, not just to the Middle East region, but to the world. So many international laws, norms and values have been battered in this conflict. It leaves a stain that shames not only those responsible, but all of us.

But in this miserable conflict I have seen not just the very worst but also the very best of people. I’ve been humbled to meet so many inspirational Syrians – from all corners of Syria and from all backgrounds. And do you know what shone out to me in these encounters?

Only their bravery, determination, industry; their passion for Syria; and their yearning for freedom and a better future for their loved ones. That’s why I know, one day – soon I hope – all this will pass, and the Syrian people will restore their country to where it belongs.