New York, Jan.22 (SANA) Permanent representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Ibrahim Olabi, said that Syria welcomes the positions of the countries that have acknowledged the significant efforts undertaken by the Syrian government, which have clearly differentiated between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) as an armed militia operating outside the authority of the state, and the Kurds as an integral component of the Syrian people.
Speaking Thursday at UN Security council session on the situation in Syria, Olabi stressed that the Syrian government has maintained state institutions over the past year, prevented chaos, initiated national dialogue, drafted the constitutional declaration, and formed a government based on competence.
“The Syrian government affirms that protecting citizens and banning the return of terrorism is a higher national priority,” Olabi added.
As for Kurd citizens, Ambassador Olabi said that Syria recognizes the suffering endured by “our Kurdish people in Syria for decades due to marginalization and lack of rights, and we are pleased today that they are part of the new Syrian State institutions, just like all other Syrian components.”
“The past year was marked by negotiation, dialogue, and diplomacy with the Syrian Democratic Forces, but, in return, there was procrastination, delay, evasion, and lack of responsibility on their part,” Olabi said.
He added that the Syrian government launched a targeted and precise law enforcement operation aimed at protecting civilians, halting armed attacks, and ending the unlawful military presence with civilian protection as its highest priority.
“Throughout the past few days, the Syrian government kept the door open for dialogue and political solutions, out of its keenness to avoid escalation and to protect civilians, but, despite the wisdom and caution shown by the Syrian government, the SDF continues to breach the ceasefire agreement until this day,” the Syrian Ambassador said.
He reiterated that New Syria embraces all its children without any discrimination.
As for the chemical file, Olabi affirmed that there was transparent cooperation between the Syrian government, UN committees and bodies, and with the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons for the first time in Syria’s history.
Regarding drugs and terrorism, Olabi stressed that the Syrian government put an end to the production and export of drugs and Captagon, fulfilled its international commitments to combat terrorism, and joined the international coalition against ISIS.
As for the refugee file, Olabi said that more than 3 million refugees and internally displaced persons returned, as basic services were rehabilitated, economic recovery began, and the wheel of development was set in motion.
In this regard, UN Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific, Khaled Khiari, said “We acknowledge the important steps taken by the Syrian government to achieve justice.”
“Decree No. 13 issued by President Ahmad Al-Sharaa is an encouraging step that should be built upon, and we support efforts aimed at implementing the January 18 agreement between the Syrian government and the SDF,” Khiari added.
He stressed that the Israeli violations in southern Syria undermine its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and we call on Israel to refrain from violating Syria’s sovereignty and to withdraw from the territories it has occupied.
For his part, Denmark’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Christina Markus Lassen said that his country welcomes the agreement concluded between the Syrian government and the SDF and call for its implementation.
Meanwhile, Russia’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Vasily Nebenzya said “We are counting on the understandings reached between the Syrian government and the SDF.”
“We highlight the importance of Decree No. 13 issued by President Ahmad Al-Sharaa to guarantee the rights of Syrian Kurds, considering it as an important step on the path toward building confidence,” Nebenzya added.
He affirmed that Israel’s arbitrary activities in Syria violate international law and the 1974 Disengagement Agreement. “We call on Israel to abandon the use of force and to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its Arab neighbors.”
For her part, United States Ambassador to the United Nations, Dorothy Shea said that her country supports the efforts of the Syrian government as it works to fulfill Syrians’ aspirations for peace and stability.
“The Syrian government is ready and capable of assuming security responsibilities, including control over facilities holding ISIS detainees. It has joined the international coalition to combat terrorism and is capable of achieving stability,” Dorothy Shea said.
She added “We are sending a strong message to the Kurds to integrate into the Syrian state, and we encourage a single, unified Syria in which all components live in safety.”
Meanwhile, deputy representative of France to the United Nations, Jay Dharmadhikari said that his country welcomes the ceasefire agreement between the Syrian government and the SDF, and “we consider Decree No. 13 issued by President Ahmad Al-Sharaa a step in the right direction.”
Deputy representative of China to the United Nations, Sun Lei said that china reaffirms its support for Syria’s unity, independence, and territorial integrity, and opposes any external interference in its internal affairs.
Pakistan’s representative to the United Nations said that his country welcomes the agreement between the Syrian government and SDF and emphasizes that all state institutions must work together to ensure successful governance.
“Syria is witnessing a positive moment today on both the political and institutional tracks, offering hope for recovery,” the Pakistani diplomat added.
MZN
