New York, May 15 (SANA) The United Nations Security Council met Friday in New York to discuss the evolving situation in Syria, Deputy Special Envoy Claudio Cordone and UN relief chief Tom Fletcher briefed members on political and humanitarian developments.
Claudio Cordone told the Council that there is “ongoing progress toward accountability” in Syria, with expanding international and regional engagement in the country’s transition. He said justice is beginning to be delivered after years of war and expressed full solidarity with victims and survivors of the horrific crimes committed during the conflict.
Cordone welcomed national efforts to guarantee fair trial standards in criminal cases, including the work of a national commission on transitional justice, which is drafting a comprehensive legal framework for the process. He also expressed support for the ongoing organized return of displaced Syrians to Afrin from Hasakah and Qamishli.
Regarding the Israeli occupation, Cordone condemned the incursions, bombardment, and military operations reported in Daraa and Quneitra, stating that they violate Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He urged Israel to cease all violations, respect the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, and clarify the fate of Syrian detainees and release any persons held in violation of international law.
Speaking on the humanitarian situation, Tom Fletcher, UN Under Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs, described Syria as at a “critical but promising” juncture that demands a focus on humanitarian gains and recovery. He warned that humanitarian funding is shrinking and remains far below what is needed, with needs still massive and involving the majority of Syrians.
Fletcher added that returns of displaced people are increasing pressure on services, infrastructure, and livelihoods, while recent floods have inflicted widespread damage on farmland, bridges, and roads. He underlined the need for more flexible humanitarian financing so aid can reach additional people in need.
He also highlighted unexploded ordnance as a major obstacle to safe returns and called for intensified clearance efforts to protect returning civilians.
Several Security Council members echoed these themes. The Danish representative Christina Markus Lassen urged regional actors to respect Syria’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity and stressed that the country has a chance to end decades of impunity, hold perpetrators accountable, and lay the groundwork for reconciliation and lasting peace.
Russia’s envoy Vasily Nebenzya noted that humanitarian needs in Syria remain huge and that rising oil prices are undermining food security. He called for early recovery and humanitarian responses aligned with Syrian defined priorities, and insisted such work must remain de politicalized and free from external conditions.
The United States’ representative Tammy Bruce said President Donald Trump and the U.S. government stand with the Syrian people in supporting transitional justice and the rule of law. She described the Syrian government’s arrest of the ousted regime figures accused of atrocities against civilians as an important step toward ending impunity and strengthening accountability.
The British representative James Kariuki affirmed continued support for Syria’s efforts to entrench the rule of law and hailed “positive progress” in the political process, including the opening of trials against some figures from the deposed regime accused of horrific crimes. He called these trials an important step toward justice and accountability, and pledged that the UK would continue working with the UN, the Council, the international community, and the Syrian government for a more peaceful, prosperous future for Syrians.
France’s envoy Jérôme Bonnafont stressed that the international community must keep providing Syria with the support it needs to confront ongoing challenges, underscoring the importance of sustained political and humanitarian engagement. He added that transitional justice and ending impunity are essential conditions for lasting peace, given the deep wounds suffered by the Syrian people.
He welcomed the reinstatement of the EU–Syria economic cooperation agreement, which aims to reintegrate Syria into the global economic system, and highlighted that the EU–Syria dialogue has enabled the launch of a 620 million euro portfolio over three years to support recovery in the country.
Colombia’s representative told the Council that Syria’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity must be fully respected in accordance with the UN Charter.
Liberia’s envoy stressed that the Golan is an integral part of Syria and called for a complete withdrawal from all occupied Syrian territory. He urged the international community to support Syria’s path toward peace and stability through dialogue, cooperation, and respect for its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Pakistan’s representative Asim Iftikhar Ahmad welcomed the achievements Syria has made during this phase of transition, underscoring the importance of continued international backing for its recovery and stabilization efforts.
Bahrain’s envoy affirmed full support for all efforts aimed at strengthening Syria’s security and stability and preserving its sovereignty and territorial integrity, saying these efforts also contribute to regional and international security and stability. He praised the Syrian government’s work in combating terrorism, drug and weapons trafficking, and efforts to undermine stability.
Latvia’s representative told the Council that the Syrian government is working resolutely to restore Syria’s standing on the international stage and is making maximum efforts to revive its economy, adding that sustained and growing international support remains essential to help Syria recover and develop.
Greece’s representative voiced full support for Syria’s ambitious vision of a peaceful future and renewed Athens’ backing for Syria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence.
China’s envoy Fu Cong told the Council that Syria faces a difficult task of rebuilding after years of destruction and stressed that the international community should support stability in the country. He added that the global community must increase humanitarian and development aid to Syria in order to facilitate the return of refugees and provide urgent assistance to those in need.
Türkiye’s representative Ahmet Yıldız said the first positive outcomes of efforts to support Syria’s economic recovery are beginning to emerge. He stressed that rebuilding basic infrastructure is an urgent requirement for Syria’s stability and its wider recovery work and added that the country is moving toward greater stability despite ongoing tensions and Israeli attacks.
Libya’s representative Taher El-Sonni stressed full adherence to safeguarding Syria’s sovereignty and stability and rejected any foreign interference in its internal affairs or actions that threaten its unity.
KhA / HH
