Ambassador's Statement Before UNSC Regarding Situation in Syria
Iran's Ambassador to the United Nations has delivered a statement before the Security Council regarding the situation in Syria. The statement condemned the Israeli regime's aggressions and called for the United States' withdrawal from Syria. The full text of the statement is as follows:
Statement by
H.E. Mr. Amir Saed Iravani
Ambassador and Permanent Representative
of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations
Before the United Nations Security Council
On “The situation in the Middle East: (Syria)”
New York, 25 April 2024
بسم الله الرحمن الرحیم
Madam President,
We thank Mr. Pederson, the Special Envoy, and Mr. Ramesh Rajasingham, Director of the Coordination Division for their briefings.
We also thank Ms. Helen Hayford for her views.
Madam President,
The humanitarian situation in Syria remains dire. The Syrian people suffer from profound economic challenges.
According to the latest UN Report, 16.7 million people, nearly 70 percent of Syria's population, urgently require humanitarian aid.
The current funding level allocated to address the Syrian humanitarian crisis is concerning.
The UN Report highlights that a total of $4.07 billion is imperative to fully implement the Syria Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP).
This is required to meet the immediate needs of 10.8 million vulnerable individuals among the assessed 16.7 million in need.
Madam President,
Providing immediate aid is crucial, however, it is not a sustainable solution in the long term.
Efforts must focus on rebuilding critical infrastructure, creating conditions for the safe return of refugees and internally displaced persons, and advancing the political process.
Unfortunately, the US and its allies have chosen to turn their eyes blind to the humanitarian situation on the ground and continue to pursue their political agenda in Syria.
They are using sanctions as a means to achieve the objectives they failed to attain through military or diplomatic channels.
Also, they made cynical efforts such as politicizing humanitarian aid and obstructing the return of refugees and displaced persons.
Such unlawful actions can serve only to prolong the crisis and worsen the suffering endured by the Syrian population.
We call for the immediate lifting of unilateral sanctions. The continuous of such inhuman measures violate the basic human rights of the Syrian people, punish the entire Syrian population, and exacerbates the plight of the most vulnerable segments of society.
Madam President,
We extend our appreciation to the Syrian government for its collaboration with the United Nations and other international entities, providing essential facilities crucial for the delivery of relief and assistance to crisis-affected regions.
Any aid mechanism must be implemented in close coordination with the Syrian government, ensuring utmost respect for Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Madam President,
We once again strongly condemn the cowardly terrorist attacks carried out by the Israeli regime on 1st April 2024 against our diplomatic premises in Damascus.
Israeli regime committed a flagrant violation of the United Nations Charter, in particular Article 2 (4) of the UN Charter, international law, and the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic.
It was an egregious violation of the inviolability of representatives and diplomatic and consular premises.
We also strongly condemn the Israeli terrorist regime's acts of aggression against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic which continue with full impunity and without any reaction from the Security Council.
Madam President,
Iran is committed to a political resolution of this crisis. Iran will continue supporting a truly Syrian-led, Syrian-owned, UN-facilitated political process, as well as assisting the people and Government of Syria to restore the unity and territorial integrity of their country.
We continue our support of the efforts being conducted by Mr. Pederson, Special Envoy, for the resumption of the meetings of the Constitutional Committee as an effective mechanism for advancing the political process.
The restoration of Syria's territorial integrity demands relentless efforts to combat all terrorist groups without interruption. In this context, Iran fully supports and assists the Syrian Government in its counter-terrorism efforts.
It is imperative, however, that the protection of civilians remains paramount throughout counterterrorism efforts.
We reiterate our call for the immediate withdrawal of all US military forces from Syria occupying parts of Syrian territory.
The continued illegal presence of the US forces in Syria not only violates the sovereignty and territory of Syria but also is the main source of the instability and insecurity in Syria and only provides space for terrorist groups to solidify their position and perpetrate further atrocities.
Madam President,
Also along with its Astana format partners, Iran is committed to working towards long-term and sustainable normalization in and around Syria.
It is also of utmost importance to make every possible effort to facilitate the safe and dignified return of Syrian refugees to their homeland and to meet their humanitarian needs.
To conclude, Madam President, the only viable way to restore peace and security to the region is for the Security Council to compel the rogue regime of Israel to immediately stop the war and genocide in Gaza, establish an immediate and permanent ceasefire, and put an end to Israeli destabilized activities in the region
I thank you.