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UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen speaks to journalists following a Security Council meeting on the situation in Syria, at the UN headquarters in New York, on April 30, 2019. Geir Pedersen on Tuesday expressed cautious optimism about the prospects of the political process in Syria. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

UNITED NATIONS, April 30 (Xinhua) -- UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen on Tuesday expressed cautious optimism about the prospects of the political process in Syria.

"After eight years of conflict, this process will be long and difficult. But I think it is possible to move forward step by step," Pedersen told the Security Council in a briefing.

Many earlier differences over the constitutional committee, a key element in the Syrian political process, have been narrowed down, he said.

"While nothing is agreed until everything is agreed, we have a clear understanding on balanced co-chairing arrangements, a formula for decision-making, a shared acceptance of the United Nations' facilitation role, and a political commitment to the safety and security of all who would be involved," he said.

Both the Syrian government and opposition have been constructive on these points, said Pedersen. "I believe the final terms of the mandate can be agreed with a modicum of goodwill."

It is also agreed that six specific names on the list of civil society representatives on the constitutional committee need to be removed, he said.

Work continues to identify a set of names that can have the support of all concerned, that can enhance the quality and credibility of the list, while striving to achieve the objective of at least 30 percent female participants, he said.

"I have expended a lot of effort to build buy-in for the way forward on this. If everyone is prepared to compromise just a little, this can move."

But he cautioned that the situation for Syrians remains dire.

There has been "a very troubling surge" of violence in recent weeks in and around the Idlib de-escalation zone, causing civilian casualties and further displacement, he said.

De-escalation must be cemented. Idlib is not the only part of Syria that remains heavily militarized, or where Syrians continue to suffer, he warned.

The situation in the northeast is calmer, for now, but underlying dynamics remain unresolved. There are also reports of growing tensions and violence in the southwest, he said, adding that Syria still contains many threats for renewed escalation or even threats to international peace and security.