New York, 13 Feb. (SANA) Syria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Ibrahim Olabi, affirmed that recent developments in northeastern Syria safeguard the country’s unity and represent a victory for all Syrians.
Speaking at a UN Security Council session on Friday, Olabi said: “I am pleased to thank you all, as your statements once again demonstrated the Council’s unity in supporting Syria on its path toward rebuilding the country and moving forward. I will limit myself today to three messages. First, Syria continues to transform challenges into achievements.”
Olabi noted that northeastern Syria is no longer a complex challenge but has become a national accomplishment following the implementation of a comprehensive ceasefire agreement and full integration with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
He added that military and civil institutions in the autonomous administration are being merged into state institutions, with parliamentary elections soon to be held in Deir Ezzor, Raqqa, and Hasaka, for the first time, announced in both Kurdish and Arabic.
Syria’s Permanent Representative highlighted efforts to secure Al-Hol camp and surrounding prisons, in coordination with international partners, to end the dire humanitarian conditions that have worsened over the years.
He also pointed to the implementation of Decree No. 13, affirming that Syrian Kurds are an integral part of the Syrian people and that their cultural identity is inseparable from the national identity.
Olabi underlined Syria’s frontline role in combating terrorism, noting its sacrifices in the fight against ISIS. He said Syria joined the international coalition against ISIS, after intensive field operations led to the arrest of more than 270 terrorists, the foiling of over 45 plots, and the dismantling of dozens of cells. He also referred to the recent thwarting of assassination attempts against the President and senior ministers.
He further announced that Syrian army units, in coordination with the United States, have taken control of the Al-Tanf base and begun deployment along the Syrian-Iraqi-Jordanian border, strengthening counterterrorism efforts and regional stability.
On the cultural and economic fronts, Olabi said Syria is regaining its vitality. The Damascus International Book Fair was recently held with participation from over 35 countries, including a dedicated Kurdish-language pavilion. He also noted strategic agreements signed with Saudi Arabia in aviation, communications, infrastructure, and water, as well as deals with Chevron International, Power International, and Mastercard to boost Syria’s digital and financial infrastructure.
“These steps reflect renewed confidence in Syria’s economy and the beginning of genuine recovery and development,” Olabi said, while calling on donor countries to support Syria’s efforts to ensure the safe and dignified return of refugees.
He concluded: “Syria is recovering through its people, institutions, unity, diversity, and freedom of expression. The new Syria is being built on citizenship, dialogue, and turning challenges into achievements.”
The Arab Group at the UN reaffirmed its support for Syria in preserving its sovereignty, territorial integrity, security, and stability, praising the national steps achieved by the Syrian government over the past year, including the launch of the National Dialogue Conference, the issuance of the constitutional declaration, and the conduct of parliamentary elections, in addition to efforts to combat terrorism and drug trafficking.
In a statement delivered by Jordan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Walid Obeidat, the group called on the United Nations to provide all forms of support to the Syrian government to help achieve recovery and reconstruction.
Bahrain’s Permanent Representative Jamal Fares al-Ruwaiei stressed the need for international solidarity to support Syria and enable it to preserve its sovereignty and stability, commending its efforts in fighting terrorism and welcoming its accession to the international coalition against ISIS.
Türkiye’s Permanent Representative Ahmet Yildiz stressed that Syria is witnessing significant transformations across various fields, pointing to a promising trajectory that safeguards sovereignty and territorial integrity. He said strengthening Syria’s unity enhances its ability to play a constructive role in the international community.
Russia’s Deputy Permanent Representative Anna Evstigneeva affirmed that the comprehensive integration agreement between the Syrian government and the SDF constitutes an important step toward unifying the Syrian Arab Republic. She reiterated her country’s support for Syria’s unity and territorial integrity, praising government efforts to protect citizens and their cultural rights.
Anna Evstigneeva also expressed Moscow’s concern over continued Israeli attacks in southern Syria, including the spraying of chemical substances on agricultural land in Quneitra.
UN Deputy Special Envoy to Syria Claudio Cordone welcomed the integration agreement and ceasefire, stressing the need for states to repatriate their nationals detained as ISIS members, while noting ongoing Israeli incursions in southern Syria that damage crops and pastures.
Lisa Doughten, Director of the Financing Division at OCHA, underscored the importance of continued international support to enable Syria to address humanitarian challenges.
UN Representatives of the U.S., France, China, Pakistan, and Somalia also stressed the need for continued support to Syria’s sovereignty and humanitarian recovery.
MHD
