Source: United Nations (video statements)
According to an International Monetary Fund mission that visited Damascus last month, recovery is accelerating and double-digit growth in 2026 is projected.”
However, “widespread poverty and renewed inflation mean conditions remain very difficult for most Syrians,” he added.
Cordone briefed the Council from Damascus, following the Secretary-General’s visit to Syria last month (the first by a Secretary-General in 17 years.) In meetings with President Ahmad al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, the Secretary-General welcomed progress in Syria’s political transition, including steps to strengthen state institutions and moves toward reconciliation, accountability and transitional justice, while stressing that success would ultimately be measured by whether all Syrians feel represented and able to shape their country’s future, Cordone reported.
Cordone welcomed the United States’ rescinding of Syria’s designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism, saying such steps should help create more favorable conditions for economic recovery, investment and broader international engagement.
Cordone also said that “this month the Damascus Fourth Criminal Court convicted and sentenced to death several former officials, including former President Bashar al-Assad, who along with others was tried in absentia, as well as Atef Najib and Wassim al-Assad who appeared in person.”
Cordone said former Grand Mufti Ahmad Hassoun was also tried in person and received a life sentence. He said the proceedings incorporated several important fair-trial safeguards for defendants present in court and that there is a right to appeal within 30 days but called for stronger legal representation and a full appeal on the facts rather than only on points of law. He urged the Syrian authorities to establish a moratorium on all executions.
On 21 August, Cordone attended the commemoration of the chemical attack on Eastern Ghouta and Mu’adamiya, which killed some 1,500 people and left thousands injured.
On political front, the Deputy Special Envoy said the People’s Assembly has adopted rules of procedure but has yet to begin substantive work, and that further clarity is needed on its oversight role over the executive. He said the process for drafting a permanent constitution has still not been specified, urging an inclusive and transparent process and warning of urgency in starting it, as well as in preparing for elections at the end of the transition.
On Israeli activity in Syria, he said, “the continued Israeli presence east of the ceasefire line violates Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and is inconsistent with the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement.”
Cordone said Israeli military activity has continued in southern Syria, including repeated ground incursions, house searches and the destruction of private and agricultural property, particularly in Quneitra and the Yarmouk Basin. He condemned an Israeli airstrike on the Abu al-Dhuhur airbase in northern Syria on 18 August, while welcoming recent direct Israel-Syria contacts and talks in Jordan and supporting United States mediation efforts.