UN-Syria UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at a press conference in Damascus, Syria. “On the threshold of new opportunities”: the head of the UN is on his first visit to Syria since the fall of the Assad regime Peace and Security
Syria has the opportunity not only to recover from conflict, but also to build a more stable, inclusive and prosperous future, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in Damascus on Saturday as he began his landmark visit to the country.
Calling Syria “a pillar of stability in the Middle East,” the UN chief noted that the country “is on the cusp of new opportunities” and called on the international community to seize this moment to help rebuild a state that has endured decades of conflict. Speaking to reporters alongside the country’s Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani, Guterres described his visit as “extremely significant” The UN chief recalled his many years of engagement with the Syrians – as the former UN High Commissioner for Refugees and later as Secretary-General.
“For many years, long before I became Secretary-General, I worked closely with the Syrians,” he said.
“I met young Syrians whose hopes were simple and universal: to learn, to work, to contribute and to live in peace,” the UN chief added. regime.”
A chance to build a new future
The Secretary-General noted that Syrians have endured years of “hardship, loss and uncertainty” but have never lost the resilience, talent and creativity that define them. features.
“Today, Syria stands on the threshold of new opportunities,” Guterres said.
“It now has a chance not only to recover from conflict, but also to lay the foundations for a more stable, inclusive and prosperous future,” he added he.
The UN chief stressed that in order to rebuild the country, it is necessary to ensure that all Syrians see themselves as part of the future of the nation.
“Above all, it is necessary that every Syrian sees a place for himself in the future of his country. And it will be up to the Syrians to determine their path forward and shape institutions that will serve future generations,” Guterres said.
Syria needs international support
The UN Secretary-General warned that no country that has endured more than a decade of conflict can recover alone and called for greater international support for Syria.
“Now is the moment for the international community to support Syria,” he said.
“Rebuilding Syria is a humanitarian imperative as well as an investment in development, peace and regional stability,” he added Secretary General
Guterres said the international community must help create the conditions for rebuilding the country’s economy and infrastructure, restarting essential services, expanding employment opportunities, and returning refugees and displaced persons.
“International financial institutions and development partners also have an important role to play in helping restore Syria’s access to regional and global economic opportunities,” he said Secretary-General.
Stressing the role of the UN, Guterres said that the Organization is ready to support Syria throughout the transition period.
Sovereignty and territorial integrity
The Secretary-General also reiterated that the UN supports sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Syria.
“Violations of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria are unacceptable and must stop,” he said.
Referring to events around the Golan Heights, Guterres added: “What is happening in the region around the Golan Heights is completely unacceptable.”
“I would like “Remind the international community that the Golan Heights are Syrian territory,” the Secretary-General said.
60~p>Later, responding to journalists’ questions about Israel’s actions in Syria, the UN chief said: “We believe that the current situation is unacceptable and that it must end.” He also noted that UN personnel on the ground are working to mitigate the impact of current events.
Acknowledging the existence of differences in the UN Security Council, Guterres promised to continue to defend this position: “What belongs to Syria belongs to Syria and cannot be taken away from it,” he added. Secretary General
The visit continues
This visit was the first trip of the Secretary General to Syria since the fall of the Assad regime. During his stay in the country, he is expected to meet with President Ahmed al-Sharaa and other senior officials, UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) peacekeepers, as well as women’s organizations and civil society representatives. Cyprus