Statement by H.E. Ambassador Majid Takht Ravanchi

Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations

Before the United Nations Security Council

On the “Middle East: Syria – Political and Humanitarian”

New York, 20 January 2021

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In the Name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful

Mr. President,

I wish to thank Mr. Pederson and Mr. Lowcock for their briefings. We reiterate our firm position that the crisis in Syria must be settled peacefully. In this context, we underline the importance and contribution of the Astana format towards launching a political process, including through the establishment of a Constitutional Committee which will have its next meeting next week. We wish its participants success.

Iran supports the current UN activities in Syria. Our special envoy on Syria is in close cooperation with SRSG Pedersen to support his efforts in facilitating the work of the Committee, which must continue its activities without any external interference or pressure or setting any artificial deadline for its conclusion.

At the same time, concurrent with the work of the Constitutional Committee, serious efforts must be made in other areas. The first and most important one is to continue fighting with all terrorist groups as their presence and criminal activities not only threaten security and territorial integrity of Syria, but also represent a threat to peace and security in the region.

While protection of civilians must be a guiding principle in combating terrorist groups, they must not be allowed to consolidate their presence and conduct their atrocious activities uninterrupted.

Likewise, fighting terrorism must not be used as a pretext to support any separatist tendencies and illegitimate self-rule initiatives or violate Syrian sovereignty.

In this context, through the occupation of parts of Syria, the U.S. continues to violate the territorial integrity of Syria.  In fact, the U.S. is pursuing its illegitimate geopolitical interests including by shielding and supporting certain terrorist groups. All such acts are in material breach of international law and must come to an end immediately.

Yet, the imposition of unilateral sanctions on the Syrian people is another unlawful act by the United States and some other countries. While the Syrians are seriously suffering from terrorists acts and also the COVID-19 pandemic, such inhumane sanctions are simply adding insult to injury, targeting the most vulnerable people the most.

We totally reject the imposition of illegal and illegitimate unilateral sanctions and call for their immediate removal as they prevent the return of refugees and internally displaced persons and obstruct the reconstruction process of this war-torn country.

Along the same line, we strongly condemn Israel’s continued aggressions against Syria. Such provocative military adventurism must stop now.

Iran will continue to support the people and Government of Syria to overcome the threats of terrorism and foreign occupation, rebuild their country and ensure its unity and territorial integrity.

I thank you, Mr. President.