Damascus, July 26 (SANA) U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres called on Sunday for sustained international support for Syria, saying the country’s political transition must translate into tangible improvements in people’s lives and that Syria should be reintegrated into the regional and global economy.
Speaking at a press conference in Damascus concluding his first visit to Syria since becoming U.N. secretary-general, Guterres said the Syrian people had demonstrated extraordinary resilience after years of conflict and should not be left to shoulder the burden of recovery alone.
“We know well the horrors the Syrian people have endured in recent years, but those hardships have not broken their determination to achieve their legitimate aspirations,” Guterres said.
He added that the United Nations would remain “a steadfast partner” for the Syrian people as they shape the country’s future.
“The task now is to translate Syria’s political transition into tangible improvements in people’s lives, ensuring that every Syrian feels like a full partner in shaping the country’s future,” he said.
Guterres described his visit to Damascus as carrying “great significance,” saying it reaffirmed the United Nations’ solidarity and partnership with Syria.
“What has taken place in Syria is a testament to its resilience and success,” he said, adding that Syria remains “an integral part of the region’s rich history and diverse cultural fabric.”
During his visit, Guterres toured the notorious Seydnayah Prison, where he said he was horrified by the scale of abuses committed there.
“I was horrified during my visit to the notorious Seydnayah Prison, where tens of thousands of people were killed and tortured,” he told the press conference. “But I also witnessed the courage that has translated into significant progress in Syria’s political transition, giving me profound hope that all Syrians can enjoy security and stability.”
Guterres said Syria remains “a pillar of stability in the region” and stressed that recovery would require stronger international engagement.
“Unfortunately, U.N. humanitarian assistance is currently meeting only around 20% of the Syrian people’s needs,” he said.
He called for sustained support to restore essential services and infrastructure, strengthen the education and healthcare systems, and create economic opportunities.
“Syria must be reintegrated into the regional and global economies,” Guterres said. “Development partners and international institutions must also return to help unlock the country’s economic potential.”
Addressing regional security, Guterres reiterated the United Nations’ position on Israeli military violations in Syria.
“We reaffirm that violations of Syria’s sovereignty are unacceptable, and Israel must comply with the 1974 Disengagement Agreement,” he said.
He added that the United Nations would submit “a comprehensive report to the U.N. Security Council at the end of this month on Israeli violations in Syria.”
Guterres arrived in Syria on Saturday in the first visit by a U.N. secretary-general to the country since 2009. During the visit, he reaffirmed the United Nations’ support for Syria and called on the international community to make every effort to support the Syrian people.
kA.ABD
