New York, April 23 (SANA) Syria’s permanent representative to the United Nations, Ibrahim Olabi, said Wednesday during a UN Security Council session that Syria is advancing efforts to restore stability and development while urging an end to the repeated Israeli violations.
Speaking at a special session on the 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for Syria, Olabi reaffirmed Syria’s “firm commitment” to achieving transitional justice and completing the process of rebuilding state institutions, alongside continued efforts to combat terrorism and restore security across all territories.
“Externally, there has been a genuine will for Syria to serve as a bridge for dialogue rather than a field for conflict, and a center for development rather than a hotspot for terrorism,” he said, citing recent diplomatic engagement, including President al-Sharaa visits to Berlin and London and high-level meetings in Paris, Moscow, Beijing and Washington.
On the domestic front, Olabi said Syria had made progress in recent weeks, including the final handover of military sites previously used by U.S. forces to Syrian authorities following the integration of SDF into national structures.
He also cited continued counterterrorism operations, including dismantling cells linked to the ISIS and Hezbollah militias, and said authorities had ensured the security of Easter celebrations.
Olabi welcomed a report by the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on events in Sweida, saying it reflected government cooperation and transparency, and reiterated Syria’s commitment to holding those responsible for violations accountable.
He said political life had seen renewed activity, with expanded public debate and continued preparations for parliamentary elections in Hasakah province.
On the economic front, Olabi pointed to the launch of a simplified “citizen budget” for 2026 and ongoing efforts, in cooperation with partners, to rehabilitate infrastructure, schools and healthcare facilities.
Turning to regional issues, he condemned Israel’s policies, saying Syria “is compelled each time to address destructive practices we hope will end soon,” including settlement expansion in the occupied Syrian Golan and actions that “fuel instability.”
“We call for an end to Israel’s aggressive policies through compliance with international legitimacy and Security Council resolutions,” he said, adding that diplomatic steps taken by Syria, including engagement through US mediation, should be met with constructive responses.
He said Syria stands with Bahrain “in the face of Iranian aggression that targeted it and other Gulf states,”
Olabi added that briefings presented during the meeting reflected “the state of stability that Syria is experiencing amid regional escalation,” attributing this to political will in managing both foreign and domestic affairs.
Olabi outlined several requests to the international community, including increased humanitarian and development funding aligned with national recovery priorities, stronger economic and investment partnerships, support for transitional justice efforts, and ensuring that no country serves as a haven for criminals.
He concluded by saying Syria had “fulfilled its commitments” and demonstrated progress toward stability and development, asking: “This is what Syria has done — what will the world do?”
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