Statement by the Republic of Slovenia at the UNSC meeting on the situation in the Middle East, Syria

Thank you Mr. President.

I wish to thank USG Lacroix and ASG Khiari for their briefings.

Mr. President,

Four months ago Syrians opened a new chapter, bringing hope for a more stable and secure future. It is clear that many serious challenges lie ahead and will need to be addressed on the path of building a new Syria.    

Let me make two points in this regard.

First, a peaceful and secure Syria is in interest of all Syrians, its immediate neighbors and the wider region. It is equally in the interest of the entire international community. The best way to achieve it is through diplomacy and dialogue.

Once again, we urge all parties to refrain from violence and to exercise maximum restraint at this critical juncture.  We call on all states with influence to use it to that end and to promote dialogue and confidence building.

Mr. President,

We have been saying this for years now and we remain resolute. It is vital that Syria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, independence and unity are fully respected. Syrian people need peace and our firm support. So we reiterate our unwavering call for the full respect of international law, including international humanitarian and human rights law.

We acknowledge the interest of countries in the immediate neighborhood to ensure that events in Syria do not pose risk to their security. However, we remain convinced that external military interventions in the fragile moment of Syrian transition do not contribute to this legitimate objective – indeed they could have a counter effect.

In this vein we condemn the repeated and intensifying Israel’s military escalations in Syria, which risk undermining an already fragile security situation in Syria and beyond. We call on Israel to immediately cease the bombings and to withdraw from the zone of separation defined by the 1974 Disengagement Agreement. UNDOF must be fully able to carry out its mandate, including freedom of movement. Ceasefire must be preserved and the agreement implemented. Besides being illegal, prolonged Israeli incursions risk undermining the transition process in Syria, aggravate tensions and risk destabilizing the region.

Second, an inclusive political transition is in the interest of both the Syrian leadership and Syrian people. We take note of recent developments towards political transition, including the unveiling of a new and expanded cabinet. In this regard, we encourage the interim authorities to continue working toward a credible, inclusive and sustainable transition, one grounded in good governance and transparency. This includes the formation of a provisional legislative council and a committee to draft the new constitution, as well as preparations for free and fair elections. These should be in line with relevant international standards and the key principles of Security Council resolution 2254.

In conclusion, Mr. President, let me reiterate: in a highly unstable regional environment, Syria has a historic opportunity to become a center of peace and security. That requires proactive engagement by all stakeholders. In Syria, it requires the interim authorities to make the right decisions, based on an inclusive national dialogue, for the benefit of all Syrian people and in full respect of their human rights and freedoms. It also requires increased and continued regional and international support. And again, it requires respect for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria.

Slovenia remains ready to work with others, both in this Council and elsewhere to assist Syrians in realizing a new Syria, free, inclusive and secure in a secure and stable region.

I thank you.

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