Statement by the Permanent Representative of Slovenia to the United Nations, Samuel Žbogar, at UNSC meeting on the situation in the Middle East (Syria)

Thank you Mr. President, and we also thank want to thank our briefers: Deputy Special Envoy Rochdi and OCHA Director Rajasingham. We welcome the Ambassador of Syria, as well as the Ambassadors of Oman and Turkiye to the chamber.

Mr. President,

Like my Danish and Greek colleagues, I also want to remind ourselves of an historic moment when just one month ago, the Syrian President travelled to New York alongside a Syrian delegation, delivering his address and vision for Syria to the General Assembly, for the first time in decades.

President Al-Sharaa described today’s Syria as “reclaiming its rightful place among the nations of the world”. As we approach the one-year anniversary of the fall of the Assad regime, our hope is that this moment represents a new chapter. A new chapter in the nation’s long and rich history. A new chapter of peace and dignity for all Syrians.

We welcome the commitments made by President al-Sharaa at the General Assembly, particularly regarding justice, accountability and the protection of all Syrians, as well as ongoing national efforts on these critical issues.

Slovenia also hopes that this marks a new era for Syrian diplomacy and enhanced engagement between Syria and the United Nations. We believe that the UN and the broader international community can play an important role in supporting Syria in this transitional phase, particularly when it comes to development, reconstruction and building Syria’s state institutions. We look forward to renewed engagement on how best the UN and Security Council can fulfil this role.     

Mr. President,

Slovenia remains committed to the principles of Resolution 2254 and an inclusive, Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political transition. An inclusive process is the best way to ensure sustainable peace and true reconciliation.

The People’s Assembly vote conducted earlier this month marks an important step in the democratic process. We regret that so few seats were filled by women and minorities, demonstrating that there remains considerable work left to do. We call for the seats yet to be appointed, to be done so in a manner that is truly representative of all of Syria’s diversity, and for the remaining constituency voting to take place as soon as possible.

In a similar spirit, I reiterate my delegation’s support for advancing the National Dialogue process. We see this as being essential to ensuring all elements of Syrian society are part of the transition, and for building trust between all Syrians and the Syrian authorities.

Mr. President,

The security landscape clearly remains volatile and we remain deeply concerned by incidents of sectarian violence and sporadic armed clashes. It is the duty of the Syrian authorities to ensure that all Syrians are protected and to move towards disarmament, demobilisation and integration of all armed groups into national security forces, as part of a wider effort on security sector reform.

The March agreement between the authorities and the SDF was a step in the right direction, and we encourage further dialogue. We also welcome the Sweidah roadmap announced between Syria, Jordan and the US last month and call for its full implementation. We underscore the basic principle that Syria’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected by all, and we call on Israel to fully respect the 1974 Disengagement Agreement.

Peace and security are also fundamental preconditions both for emergency humanitarian relief and for sustainable recovery that could finally address long-term issues such as displacement, food insecurity, and the health sector crisis. We urge new and existing donors to join efforts to support the humanitarian response.

And finally Mr. President,

I wish to conclude by expressing Slovenia’s appreciation for years of dedicated service by former Special Envoy Geir Pedersen. We look forward to the swift appointment of his successor, as Syria’s new chapter continues to unfold.

I thank you.  

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