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.

I also want to thank Special Envoy Pedersen and Under-Secretary-General Fletcher for their briefings today.

Images of Syrians celebrating the start of a new chapter of their country fill us with hope. However, let us be clear: the wounds run deep, and the stakes remain incredibly high as we heard today from the Special Envoy as well. There is much work to be done, and every step forward is critical.

Peace is never easy, it must be carefully built.

Mr. President,

Allow me to share some of our thoughts on the future of Syria:

First, the future of Syria should be inclusive. This must be based on an inclusive Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process, in line with the key principles of the resolution 2254. All Syrian people must have an opportunity for their voice to be heard and considered. This new Syria must be for all Syrians. We therefore urge a UN-facilitated political process leading to a credible, inclusive and non-sectarian governance.

We continue calling for full, equal, meaningful and safe participation of women and minority groups in peace and security processes and decision-making at all levels.

Second, the future of Syria must be safe and secure. As pockets of violence and conflict still persist, we call for full respect of international law, including international humanitarian law and human rights law. This includes any law enforcement operations.

The fighting still witnessed in northern Syria must cease. We need a solution that protects everyone’s security interests, including our collective security interest in fighting Daesh.

Syria cannot be used as a base for terrorism.

Any remaining stockpiles of chemical weapons in Syria must be secured and safely destroyed. The same goes for explosive remnants of war, which continue to pose high risk to human lives and livelihoods, including food security.

Sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and unity of Syria must be respected. We remain deeply concerned about the situation in the Area of Separation. 1974 Disengagement Agreement must be implemented in its entirety.

Finally, the future of Syria must be based on protection. Civilians, critical infrastructure and humanitarian facilities must be safeguarded and unimpeded access to humanitarian aid granted. Providing conditions for safe and dignified life for all is of crucial importance. We welcome the scaling up of assistance in areas where conditions allow. We join the calls for additional international support for the efforts of the UN and humanitarian organizations.

We also call for respect and protection of human rights, in particular for the rights of women and girls, and of minorities. With the high number of detained, abducted and missing persons, it is crucial that all Syrians know the fate of their loved ones.

Answers for families of the missing will open paths to closures at individual level and reconciliation at the society level.

A fundamental element of lasting peace is also accountability. We welcome recent visits of the Commission of Inquiry and IIIM in the country and call on all relevant actors to cooperate fully with these institutions. We also underline the importance of preserving evidence, including physical and digital records of former detention centers and to protect gravesites, cemeteries and morgues.

Mr. President,

Opportunities lie ahead as the process of shaping a new Syria finally begins to take its place.

We sense a wave of optimism and we welcome encouraging signals from the caretaker authorities. However, while statements may sound promising, their true value lies in the actions that will follow.

Thank you.

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