Category: MIL-OSI

Source: United Nations (video statements)

"Deputy Special Envoy for Syria Claudio Cordone told the Security Council that “Syria’s steady but fragile recovery political, institutional and economic could be undermined by the impact of a prolonged regional conflict.”

Addressing an open briefing on Syria, Cordone said, “as Syrians mark this month the 15th anniversary of the revolution, we reflect on the immense human cost of the conflict, the aspiration that animated the early demonstrations, the long struggle that ensued, and our efforts, including in this Council, to support a future in which Syrians can live in dignity, peace and stability.”

He said, “Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon have claimed both Lebanese and Syrian lives, and resulted in approximately 140,000 persons, mostly Syrians, crossing into Syria seeking safety” and reiterated the UN’s call on Israel “to fully respect Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, adhere to the terms of the 1974 Disengagement on Forces Agreement, and refrain from any actions that could undermine Syria’s stability and political transition.”

Cordone said Syria’s economy “remains extremely fragile” and “regrettably, the regional conflict has forced the Syrian authorities to reduce electricity supply, and cross-border trade has also been negatively impacted.”

He said, “this, of course, comes at the wrong time for Syria, which is trying to turn a corner and move into recovery.”

He called on the Council to “redouble efforts to support Syria in shielding itself from this conflict,” and “refocus on helping Syria continue and even accelerate its path towards recovery, reconstruction and stability.”

For her part, Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator Joyce Msuya warned that the war’s repercussions are rippling across the region and urged the Council to ensure sustained diplomacy to resolve flashpoints and create conditions for safe return and recovery, continued humanitarian aid as recovery efforts scale up, and sustained investment in recovery and development.

Msuya said, “Syria is already experiencing the effects of the military escalation in the region. Falling debris from aerial projectiles have killed or injured several people and damaged property. Over 140,000 people have fled from Lebanon to Syria, most of them Syrian nationals. The escalation precipitated some planned returns for about 30 percent of those now arriving in Syria. They are joining the 1.5 million refugees who have returned from neighbouring countries since December 2024>’

She noted that “despite airspace restrictions, the closure of Damascus airport, and heightened security risks,” humanitarian operations continue.

Msuya told the Council that “following the closure of Al-Hol camp in late February and the departure of its residents, UNHCR and its partners are supporting around 3,000 women and children who were relocated to the transit camp of Ak Burhan in Aleppo Governorate,” while the UN and partners “are also following up with people who have arrived from Al-Hol in other areas, including Deir ez-Zor, Homs and Idleb, to facilitate their access to services.”

She said, “as we have consistently told this council, Syria has an important opportunity to move towards economic recovery, to gradually reduce humanitarian needs and to lessen reliance on large scale humanitarian assistance.”

The United States Special Envoy for Syria, Thomas Barrack Jr., who presided today’s Council briefing, said the US “is proud of what the Syrian people and their government have achieved since December 8th, 2024” and added that “under President Donald Trump’s leadership, we will continue to deepen our partnership and help Syria reclaim its rightful place, both as a beacon of stability abroad and as an exemplar of peace, unity and tolerance at home.”

Syrian Ambassador Ibrahim Olabi for his part said, “15 years ago, Syrian men and women rose. They rose up and raised their voices with no fear, with no hesitation. They demanded freedom, dignity and justice. That moment sparked the beginning of a long path, a path where Syrian men and women paid a heavy price in blood, in suffering, in displacement and arrests, and being suffocated by chemical weapons.”

Olabi said, “we have lost many. The Syrian people have suffered greatly,” but ultimately, he added, “created a miracle.”

He said, “this is a new Syria. It is a Syria that is proud of its diverse fabric. It is proud of its rich pluralism and diversity. A Syria that we decided to build on the sacrifices and the values of our revolution. A Syria, that you decided to stand by and to support. It is a choice that facts prove day by day was the right choice indeed.”"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0uGaH1Zh9Q