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

Thank you Mr. President.

I would also like to thank Special Envoy Pedersen and Assistant Secretary-General Msuya for their briefings.

It has been only two months since a long elusive dream for the Syrian people to live a life in peace, freedom and prosperity became tangible and within reach. The interim authorities face a historic opportunity and an important responsibility to live up to the aspirations of the Syrian people. International community has its own share of responsibility in helping fulfilling these aspirations.

In this light the core principles and objectives of the resolution 2254 remain valid and Special Envoy Pedersen continues to enjoy our full support.

Mr. President,

In this regard I would like to make three points.

First, there is no sustainable political solution without genuine inclusion. Syria’s peaceful political transition is essential, it must succeed. Its success will be determined by all Syrians being genuinely protected, and for all Syrians – women and men, regardless of ethnic or religious affiliations – to be fully included in shaping Syria’s future. Their rights must be protected and respected by future constitution that conforms with international human rights standards. A new, united Syria must use the voice of both civil society and women.

As the roadmap for a credible and inclusive transition begins to emerge, we encourage the interim authorities to continue to lead this process in a manner that is both credible and timely. And we welcome today’s announcement on forming preparatory committee for the national dialogue conference.

We are encouraged by initial engagement of the interim authorities with the international community. This was confirmed in all discussions of our Minister of Foreign Affairs in Damascus last week. A constructive dialogue with neighbors and regional actors as well as continued cooperation with the UN are essential during the transitional period.

We recall that the EU Foreign Ministers at the end of January reached a political agreement to begin easing sanctions on Syria. This will give a much needed boost to the Syrian economy and help the Syrian people to get back on their feet. 

Second, there is no sustainable peace without safety and security. We reiterate our call for protecting civilians, safeguarding critical infrastructure and humanitarian facilities. A large number of Syrians, among them many women and children, continue to live in life-threatening or undignified conditions. We welcome the scaling up of assistance and we join the calls for additional international support for the efforts of the UN and humanitarian organizations.

We call on all parties to stop any activity that could lead to further escalation. In this regard, respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity of Syria is imperative. The fighting in northeast Syria must stop. We need a solution that protects everyone’s legitimate security interests and rights of all. We also remain deeply concerned about the situation in the Golan Heights and we reiterate our call for full respect of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement. We urge Israel to adhere to international law and withdraw from positions that compromise Syria’s sovereignty and the demilitarized status of the buffer zones.

It is imperative that the new Syria does not leave any room for extremism and terrorism. It is equally important for Syria to close its chemical weapons file for good. We expect Syria to fully comply with Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC).   

Third and lastly, there is no lasting peace without accountability. It is particularly important to advance accountability efforts in order to lay the ground for transitional justice. Accountability and justice for victims is essential for a stable and peaceful Syria. All individuals responsible for breaches of international law, in particular of international humanitarian law and human rights law, some of which may amount to war crimes or crimes against humanity, must be held accountable. We call upon all States to ensure that the arc of the moral universe bends towards justice.  

Thank you.

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