Statement by the Republic of Slovenia at the UNSC Briefing on the Situation in the Middle East (Syria)

Thank you Mr. President.

I would like to thank Special Envoy Mr. Pedersen for his briefing and for his efforts to help Syria through transition process. He continues to have our full support.

I also would like to thank ASG Ms. Msuya for her briefing. And of course I also welcome Minister for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Al-Shaibani to the meeting.

Mr. President,

If Syria’s historic transition is to be successful and inclusive, Syria has the opportunity to become stable, secure, prosperous country, where rights and dignity of every individual are respected and safeguarded. A country in peace with itself and its neighbors. It is a monumental task that requires proactive engagement of the entire society.

In Syria, it requires making difficult yet necessary decisions, anchored in the rule of law and based on an inclusive national dialogue.  Syria requires increased and continued regional and international support.

In this regard, let make three points.

First: violence must end and Syria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence must be respected

We acknowledge that countries in the immediate neighborhood have legitimate security concerns. Those would be best served by peaceful and stable Syria. External military interventions do not contribute to this objective. On the contrary, these actions risk further destabilizing Syria and the wider region, which is no one’s interest. In this vein we reiterate the need to fully respect the 1974 Disengagement Agreement.

We call on all parties to refrain from any activity that could further inflame tensions, escalate conflict, exacerbate human suffering and jeopardize a credible, inclusive and peaceful political transition. 

In this highly complex landscape, a clear path forward on security issues is essential and must include a comprehensive security sector reform. So we call on Syrian interim authorities to not leave any room on its territory for the return of extremism and terrorism.

Second: An inclusive political transition must include transitional justice

In line with the core principles of the UN Security Council Resolution 2254, only a transition in which all Syrians can freely express their expectations, and which is founded on full respect for human rights, can rebuild the fabric of society and restore the much needed trust.

We encourage continued efforts towards a credible and truly inclusive transition with full, equal, meaningful and safe participation of Syrian women, youth and civil society in all transitional and peacebuilding efforts.

One of these key expectations is the adoption of a swift and transparent approach to transitional justice. Ensuring accountability is essential for achieving national reconciliation. Accountability for the heinous crimes committed against the Syrian people by the former regime, and those perpetrated by armed groups, including recent violence and killings.

The key to break the cycle of violence is fighting impunity and establish accountability for perpetrators. We welcome the authorities’ displayed openness to country visits and cooperation with UN mechanisms and institutions, including the Commission of Inquiry (COI) and the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism (IIIM). We strongly encourage future coordination and cooperation in this regard. They are all a reflection of a genuine wish of international community to help.

Third: To support the political process, international community must focus on supporting Syrians to rebuild their country

We call on all parties to ensure that humanitarian access remains safe and unhindered across Syria and that civilians, critical civilian infrastructure and humanitarian workers are protected. Urgent challenges like food insecurity, water scarcity, fuel shortages, landmine contamination, displacement and critical shortages in healthcare, require our immediate attention.

Mr. President,

To conclude, Slovenia remains ready to work with others and to assist Syrians in realizing a new Syria, free, inclusive and secure in a stable region.

I thank you.

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