Damascus, July 28 (SANA) United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called on the international community to fully support Syria‘s reconstruction and mobilize the resources needed to help its people rebuild after years of destruction, stressing that the country’s next phase must be led by Syrians themselves.
In an interview with the Syrian Al-Ikhbariya TV channel on Monday during his visit to Damascus, Guterres said one of his main priorities is to encourage greater international engagement with Syria and rally support for rebuilding infrastructure and restoring essential services.
“We have no agenda in Syria,” Guterres said. “Our role is to support progress that is led by Syrians.”
Guterres described his return to Syria as “a special moment,” saying he was encouraged by what he viewed as the country’s progress following liberation and emphasizing that his visit reflected the United Nations’ solidarity with Syria.
He said rebuilding the country’s infrastructure and restoring education, healthcare and social services would require substantial international assistance beyond the Syrian government’s financial capacity.
The UN chief said continued regional tensions make international support for Syria increasingly important, adding that despite the challenges, the country is moving in the right direction.
On the occupied Syrian Golan, Guterres reaffirmed that the Golan is Syrian territory and said Israeli violations are unacceptable. He added that Israel’s actions extend beyond its occupation of the Golan to include repeated violations of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, causing unnecessary suffering for Syrians in the area, and the United Nations continues to monitor those violations.
Addressing transitional justice, Guterres said the Syrian government is determined to move forward with accountability for crimes committed in the country while creating conditions that support meaningful national reconciliation. He stressed that justice and reconciliation should advance together rather than be seen as conflicting objectives.
He also called for greater international support for victims, survivors and the families of the missing, noting that hundreds of thousands of people remain unaccounted for. He emphasized the importance of supporting the mechanism responsible for determining the fate of the missing, saying uncertainty over loved ones remains one of the greatest tragedies facing Syrian families.
Guterres said he was deeply affected by his visit to Saydnaya Prison, describing it as “horrific” and noting that many people had been killed and tortured there. He urged the international community to support Syrian efforts to assist victims and survivors and uncover the fate of those still missing.
On displacement, Guterres said hundreds of thousands of Syrians have returned to their communities and that the number of internally displaced people has begun to decline. He said Syria requires broad support from UN agencies and the international community to facilitate their reintegration into society and the economy, while encouraging the private sector to help create small businesses that contribute to recovery.
The UN chief praised his discussions with President Ahmad al-Sharaa, the foreign minister and other Syrian officials, saying he would do everything possible to mobilize international support for Syria.
He described Syria as a historic crossroads of civilizations and expressed confidence that the country can overcome its current challenges through transitional justice and national reconciliation.
Earlier Monday, at the conclusion of his visit to Syria, Guterres reaffirmed that the United Nations stands alongside Syria and called on the international community to support the Syrian people during what he described as a pivotal stage in the country’s future.
R A H / RK
