-
Increasing UN Concerns Over Developments in Syria
The UN Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, expressed deep concern over the recent escalation of clashes in the coastal regions of Syria, where confrontations occurred between transitional authorities and supporters of the previous regime, amid troubling reports of civilian casualties.
In a statement on Friday morning, Pedersen emphasized the “urgent need for restraint from all parties involved, with a focus on full respect for the protection of civilians in accordance with international law.” He called on all parties to avoid actions that could escalate tensions or worsen the suffering of the population, stressing the importance of facilitating a credible and comprehensive political transition.
On another front, UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric expressed the Secretary-General António Guterres’s concern regarding these events, strongly condemning all acts of violence in Syria and calling for the protection of civilians and a halt to hostilities. Dujarric affirmed that Guterres is worried about the rising tensions among Syrian communities, highlighting the significance of achieving reconciliation and a peaceful political transition as a priority after 14 years of conflict. He noted that the Syrian people deserve sustainable peace, justice, and development.
In a related context, a meeting of the UN Security Council was held to address the issue of chemical weapons in Syria. During the meeting, the Syrian Ambassador, Qusai Al-Dahhak, stated that the Syrian government is seeking to implement a new foreign policy committed to international law, reiterating its commitment to cooperate with the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to resolve this issue.
Al-Dahhak also expressed concern about the logistical and technical complications resulting from recent Israeli airstrikes on Syria on December 9, 2024, calling for the restoration of Syria’s rights within the OPCW and the lifting of sanctions imposed on the country, which he said hinder development efforts.
In response, the Turkish Ambassador to the UN, Ahmet Yıldız, condemned the Israeli attacks on Syria, urging the Security Council to take effective steps regarding these violations that threaten international peace and security. He indicated that the visit of the Director-General of the OPCW to Syria could represent a “turning point” in cooperation between the two sides, commending Qatar’s efforts in supporting Syrian interests.
Meanwhile, the Russian Ambassador, Vasily Nebenzya, affirmed Russia’s vital role in Syria’s accession to the Chemical Weapons Convention in 2013, during which its arsenal was placed under international control. While supporting any progress on this issue, Nebenzya expressed concern about the OPCW's ability to carry out its tasks impartially, warning against the politicization of the organization’s work. He emphasized that the unstable conditions in Syria make verifying chemical weapons “not a top priority” at the moment.
