Statement by Representative of Slovenia to the UN Security Council Ambassador Samuel Žbogar at the briefing on the situation in the Middle East, Syria

Thank you very much, Mr. President.

Since this is my first statement in the month of December in this chamber, I would like to thank the delegation of the United Kingdom, led by Ambassador Woodward, for their leadership in November and wish every success to the United States in steering our work this month.

I thank Special Envoy Pedersen for his briefing and I thank Al Saleh, Director of the White Helmets for his valuable contribution.

In recent days, we have seen a significant shift in Syria, which has again turned into an active war zone. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham is a terrorist group, recognized as such by this Council. Their recent escalation has already taken human lives and continues to pose severe risk to civilians. Their actions have serious implications for regional and international peace and security.

Slovenia urges all parties to immediately deescalate. There is no military solution to the conflict.

We call on all actors to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law. Protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure is of utmost importance; all efforts should be accompanied by preventing further displacement and disruption of humanitarian access.

Re-ignition of a wider conflict in Syria would also have a devastating impact on the region, jeopardizing the recent progress in Lebanon and deteriorating already precarious situation of refugees and IDPs.

Mr. President,

Over the past months, Special Envoy Pedersen has repeatedly warned us of the risks of escalation and the fact that no Syrian party or existing grouping of actors can resolve the Syrian conflict via military means.

The recent events should be a wakeup call to the Syrian government and key international stakeholders on the urgent need to find a political way out of the nearly 14 year’s long conflict.

We cannot allow the recent resurgence of violence to add another fuel to the fire that will further extend the conflict. Slovenia underscores the urgency for a Syrian-led political solution that meets the aspirations of its people in accordance with the UN Security Council resolution 2254.

The people of Syria do not need another violent conflict; they have suffered more than enough. What they need is a genuine and inclusive political process that will give them hope and finally chart their way towards lasting peace. Slovenia will continue to support Special Envoy’s efforts towards this end.

Thank you.

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