New York, SANA – The UN Security Council held an expanded session on Thursday to discuss latest developments in Syria, during which permanent representatives addressed efforts to achieve stability and reconstruction, stressed the need to respect Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
UN Special Envoy to Syria Geir Pedersen affirmed that Syria is witnessing a state of calm, welcomed the formation of a monitoring committee to of the ceasefire agreement in Sweida. Pederson said: “We are closely monitoring the situation in Sweida, urge all parties to remove all causes of escalation and ensure the delivery of aid. It is inevitable to engage in a peaceful transition process that guarantees Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
Pederson stated that Israeli violations of Syria’s sovereignty are unacceptable, and that Syria’s sovereignty, integrity, and territorial unity must be respected.
Pederson stressed the need to ensure transparency in the upcoming People’s Assembly elections in Syria, with the effective participation of women, reiterating the call to support the return of refugees and the reconstruction. He expressed hope that diplomatic progress be translated into tangible support for the Syrian people.
UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Tom Fletcher said: “We are under enormous pressure to provide services to those in need in Syria, and welcome the lifting of US and European sanctions.” He stressed the need to increase the international support provided to the Syrian refugees returning to Syria. He also called for efforts to maintain calm and prevent escalation in the province of Sweida.
Fletcher stressed the need to shift from humanitarian aid to long-term support for development and reconstruction in Syria.
US Representative Dorothy Shea greeted the Syrian government’s full cooperation with the United Nations, stressed the need to give Syrians a say in their future. Shea hailed the Syrian measures adopted by the Syrian government to hold those responsible for the recent violence accountable, expressed her country’s support for Syria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and stability.
Russian Deputy Representative Dmitry Polyanskiy affirmed that his country’s relations with Syria are based on mutual respect, considered that lifting sanctions opens a window of hope.
Polanski called for an end to the Israeli occupation of the Syrian Golan Heights and to comply with the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, welcomed the measures adopted by the Syrian government to protect civilians and combat terrorism. He stressed that the upcoming legislative elections must be inclusive of all components.
Meanwhile, Denmark’s representative, Christina Markus Lassen, expressed concern about the continued threat of terrorism in Syria, called for humanitarian and reconstruction support for Syria, ensuring the security of all Syrians, holding parliamentary elections with the participation of all components, and adhering to the ceasefire agreement in Sweida.
China’s representative, Fu Cong, affirmed his country’s support for the Syrian government’s efforts to promote dialogue and hold People’s Assembly elections. He commended the Syrian authorities’ measures to combat terrorism and emphasized the need for all to respect Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Chinese representative called on the international community to increase humanitarian aid to the Syrians.
The Security Council session concluded with an emphasis on the importance of continuing efforts to achieve stability in Syria, while also supporting its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Amer Dhawa
