Statement by Permanent Representative of Slovenia to the United Nations Samuel Žbogar at the UNSC meeting on the situation in the Middle East

Thank you, Mr. President.

I would like to thank Special Envoy Pedersen and Under-Secretary-General Fletcher for their briefings as well as Ms. Majd Chourbaji, representing civil society, for her remarks.

I also extend warm welcome to the newly appointed Permanent Representative of Syria.

Ambassador Olabi, I wish you every success and I assure you of my country’s full support.

Mr. President,

The Ambassador’s appointment offers us a glimpse of what a new Syria could look like. After long shadows, hope is rising — a vision of a Syria where the scars of war are not forgotten, but serve to shape a better future for all Syrians.

Allow me to make three points.

First. The pain endured by the Syrian people over the past 14 years under Assad’s rule has been immense. We understand the deep frustration with the inaction of the international community. Yet, while injustice is impossible to forget, it is time to try and look beyond that. Multilateralism ensures collective security where every country has a voice. As firm believers in this principle, we strongly support a renewed partnership, a reset, between the United Nations and Syria, and stand ready to help make it a reality.

Second. We acknowledge steps taken by the transitional authorities, including the current formation of the People’s Assembly as a legislative body.

Transparency and genuine inclusion along with pluralism remain essential for any lasting political transition, in line with resolution 2254. In this regard, the full, equal and meaningful participation of women must be guaranteed.

We strongly condemn recent atrocities and sectarian targeting of civilians in Suwayda, Latakia, and elsewhere. Equal protection from the state, accountability and transitional justice in line with international standards must be central to national efforts. Long-term stability also requires comprehensive security sector reform and credible disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration programs. We encourage the interim authorities to continue cooperation with the United Nations and civil society, whose expertise will be crucial for a just and lasting peace.

We welcome the roadmap between Syria, Jordan, and the United States aimed at resolving the crisis in Suwayda province.

We again urge all actors to respect Syria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity, and to refrain from any actions that could escalate conflict or prolong human suffering. External military interventions risk destabilizing Syria and the wider region. This is in no one’s interest. We join those who condemned the latest Israeli attacks on targets in Homs and Latakia. We reiterate our call to Israel to fully respect the 1974 Disengagement Agreement.

Third. Violence must end, and civilians must be protected. We are deeply concerned by reports of sectarian violence and the implication of continuing hostilities and extensive damage on the prospects for recovery, particularly its disproportionate impact on women and girls. Continued efforts will help counter hate speech and the spread of disinformation, reduce polarization, and promote reconciliation and mutual understanding among Syria’s diverse communities.

Finally, urgent humanitarian needs are still a reality for millions of people. This year’s devastating drought may increase the number of food-insecure people. Remaining hostilities are driving further displacement. Among the most vulnerable are women and girls, who face an increased risk of gender-based and sexual violence in conditions of displacement, depravity and insecurity. It is imperative that aid reaches all in need swiftly, safely, and without obstruction. We support the tireless efforts of the United Nations, especially Special Envoy Pedersen, whose role remains essential in supporting an inclusive, Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process.

We stand ready to work with Syria, this Council, and the international community to support a peaceful, stable, and prosperous future — one that Syrian people waited for so long and so rightfully deserve.

Thank you.

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