S/PV.10072 Security Council

In accordance with rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representatives of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Israel, Kuwait, the Syrian Arab Republic and Türkiye to participate in this meeting. In accordance with rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the following briefers to participate in this meeting: Ms. Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs; Ms. Joyce Msuya, Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator; and Ms. Mariam Jalabi, co-founder of the Syrian Women’s Political Movement. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. I give the floor to Ms. DiCarlo. Ms. DiCarlo: One year ago, the hope of millions of Syrians was realized when President Al-Assad fled the country. As they celebrated earlier this month the events that culminated on 8 December 2024, Syrians again reaffirmed their abiding belief in peace, stability, prosperity and justice for their country, despite the undeniable and daunting challenges before them. During the Security Council’s visit to the Syrian Arab Republic on 4 December, Council members saw first-hand the opportunities and difficulties the country is facing. The hopes and expectations are high, and the challenges ahead are immense. Syrians have made great strides since a year ago, but serious obstacles remain. The Government of Syria has restored State institutions and begun to integrate armed factions under a single command. It has issued a constitutional declaration and formed a new cabinet. Also, indirect legislative elections were held in October. A day of national dialogue also took place. Several key institutions, including the full formation of the People’s Assembly and the Constitutional Court, could be established soon. Syrians have also returned home in high numbers; more than 1 million refugees and almost 2 million internally displaced persons have gone back to their areas of origin. Many countries have lifted bilateral sanctions on Syria. Just yesterday, the United States Congress repealed the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act, and last month, the Security Council adopted resolution 2799 (2025), which removed designations on President Al-Sharaa and Interior Minister Khattab. Humanitarian access has improved, but more needs to be done. You will hear more about this from my colleague, the Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, Joyce Msuya. In another positive development, the Syrian Government and the Syrian Democratic Forces reached an agreement on 10 March. As the end-of-year target for the implementation of the agreement approaches, we encourage the parties to engage in constructive steps on its security and political aspects. We also urge the parties to engage with the road map to end the crisis in Suwayda and stabilize southern Syria, known as the Amman road map, of September and implement confidence-building measures to restore trust and bring stability to Suwayda. The levels of violence in Syria have declined notably; however, the situation on the ground is fragile, and intercommunal dynamics remain tense. Years of conflict and decades of repressive rule and human rights violations exacerbated tensions along sectarian lines. Tragically, these tensions have boiled over in the past year: the large- scale violence in the coastal region in March, a terrorist attack targeting a church in Damascus in June, and the violence in Druze-majority Suwayda in July. In the north and east, tensions also persist between the Syrian Army and the Syrian Democratic Forces. In many cases, hate speech and disinformation campaigns have fuelled communal strife and fear. Hundreds of civilians have been killed in the violence, leading to new displacement. Demands for protection and accountability have intensified as reports of summary executions and abductions targeting specific communities, including Alawites, continue. The United Nations condemns the violence unreservedly. We urge that transparency remain central to the investigations launched by the authorities into these episodes and that perpetrators be held accountable. As Council members saw during their visit, including in the meetings with the National Commission for Missing Persons, the National Commission for Transitional Justice, the investigative committees for the coast and Suwayda, work has begun on dealing with the past and on reconciliation. However, more remains to be done. International encouragement and expertise can complement national efforts to sustain peace, justice and accountability. Israeli air strikes and incursions in the south have aggravated the security situation. In late November, an incursion and accompanying strikes by the Israel Defense Forces into the town of Bayt Jinn killed 13 people, according to the Syrian authorities. They also caused displacement, forcing families from Bayt Jinn to flee to nearby areas. I reiterate the Secretary-General's call on Israel to refrain from violations of Syrian sovereignty and territorial integrity. I also call on the parties to respect the terms of the 1974 Agreement on Disengagement between Israeli and Syrian Forces. Resuming dialogue between Syria and Israel on security arrangements is imperative. Strong international and regional engagement to support this track is essential. There is continued domestic, regional and international focus on counter- terrorism efforts in Syria, with concerns regarding the presence of foreign terrorist fighters and a resurgence of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). In a worrying development, a joint United States-Syrian patrol was attacked late last week near Palmyra, killing two United States soldiers and one civilian interpreter and injuring several others. The Syrian Government has condemned the attack, which it stated was carried out by a member of the Syrian security forces suspected of harbouring extremist views. The United States has attributed the attack to ISIL and vowed serious retaliation. The prevalence of conventional arms and challenges with stockpile management pose an additional security challenge. Landmines and unexploded ordnance continue to kill and maim Syrians daily. All this points to the need for the political transition to be accompanied by a Syrian programme of security sector reform and disarmament, demobilization and reintegration. The Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria continues to be fully engaged with the Government of Syria and Syrian society. Over this past year, the Office has supported the Syrian-led and Syrian-owned transition process with advice on constitutional and electoral matters. It has also supported reconciliation and transitional justice efforts in close consultation with national authorities. All its work is to support an inclusive transition that fosters trust and legitimacy, as the Council has called for. To do so with greater impact, the Office seeks to be on the ground to engage in a structured and supportive way throughout this transition. The shadows of the past continue to haunt the Syrian people. True healing can begin only through a full reckoning with that history — by addressing the fate of the missing, ensuring accountability for the gravest atrocities, including the use of chemical weapons, and confronting the horrors of war without compromise. Inclusive dialogue among all of Syria’s components, genuine national reconciliation, sanctions relief and sustained international support will be essential for the security of Syria and the region. They will be key to restoring investor confidence and laying the foundation for Syria’s reconstruction. The full and meaningful participation of Syrian women in shaping that future is essential. I am pleased to note that Mariam Jalabi will brief today on behalf of civil society. Long a stalwart of the participation of women in Syrian political life, she is a co-founder of the Syrian Women’s Political Movement. We welcome the continued dialogue with the Security Council at this pivotal moment for Syria. After so much loss of life and suffering, the Syrian people are hopeful for their future and ready to take on the challenges before them. The United Nations is here to support them.

I thank Ms. DiCarlo for her briefing. I now give the floor to Ms. Msuya. Ms. Msuya: The Syrian Arab Republic continues to navigate immense opportunities and complex challenges, many of which have just been set out clearly by Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo. But today, the hope that was kindled a year ago continues to radiate. Vigorous and diligent international support remains vital. The success of Syria’s transition will depend on many measures. Two of them stand out. The first is a reduction in the level of need in what has been, for more than a decade, one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises. The second — linked to that — is a reduction in the size of what has for years been one of our largest humanitarian operations. Today I want to acknowledge the real progress and opportunities we have seen along this path during the past year, but also the major work that remains to be done. One of the most powerful signs of the hope and confidence that Syrians have for their future has been the steady flow of those returning to their homes after having been uprooted by conflict for years. Two million people displaced within Syria have returned, many after living for years in camps, in precarious conditions. More than 1.3 million others have returned from neighbouring countries. Many of those families are returning to homes that are damaged or destroyed and to communities with few basic services or job opportunities. They will continue to rely on humanitarian aid in the near term to meet basic needs. Meanwhile, millions more remain displaced across Syria. A majority of those in camps are hesitant to return in the coming year, owing to the lack of adequate housing, basic services such as water and electricity and access to jobs. They too will continue to rely on humanitarian aid, especially during these cold winter months. The current moment has given Syria the opportunity to finally bring down these needs, but for this to happen, at pace and at scale, we need three key things from the Council and the wider international community. First, we need attentive diplomacy to de-escalate and resolve ongoing flashpoints and to prevent new fighting. Levels of violence have reduced dramatically in Syria, but sporadic hostilities continue. More than 155,000 people remain displaced from their homes following fighting in Suwayda’ in July. At the end of November, 13 people were killed and 2,000 were impacted due to clashes and air strikes during an Israeli military operation in Bayt Jinn in Rural Damascus. Last week’s attack in Palmyra and other suspected attacks by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant in recent months also illustrate the fragile situation in many areas. Beyond the immediate human impact, such violence robs Syria of the stability that will enable desperately needed investments in development. Secondly, we need support for such investments. This includes the easing of unilateral sanctions by a range of countries. Syria has made remarkable strides reintegrating with the international community. Humanitarians have long been able to operate at scale in Syria, thanks to resolution 2664 (2022) and similar exemptions under most unilateral sanctions regimes. The easing of sanctions should further facilitate procurement and transactions for our operations. More importantly, such steps are opening the door to Syria’s economic reintegration with the region and the world, and to critical investment in its recovery and reconstruction. But such resources will take time and sustained political will to mobilize, and their impact will take even longer to unfold. Mobilizing tangible and targeted development financing, including to ensure that the most vulnerable are not left behind, and rebuilding confidence in Syria’s legal, financial and security environment, will also be critical to bringing down humanitarian needs. The transition from humanitarian aid to longer-term recovery and reconstruction will require support from a wide range of partners in support of Government-led efforts. For its part, the United Nations is creating a new sustainable development cooperation framework to channel United Nations development and recovery efforts in the coming years, aligning support with Syrian national priorities. In the meantime, where possible, the United Nations and partners will continue to prioritize humanitarian activities that also advance recovery. Thirdly, given the scale of the needs — and the time required for development efforts to take hold — we also need support to sustain and expand the flow of humanitarian assistance in the near term. During the past year, we have been able to shift to more efficient ways of working. We have moved from a uniquely complex operation to a more streamlined response. All subnational hubs now report to Damascus, and our new Humanitarian Coordinator arrived last week. While we continue to bring in critical assistance from Türkiye, this month we will complete the shift from the previous cross-border operation to a more standard use of commercial mechanisms, reflecting the normalization of procurement and supply routes in Syria. Let me extend my appreciation here to Türkiye for its facilitation of the cross-border operations — more than 65,000 United Nations trucks since 2014, which provided a lifeline to millions of people in need. Today, we are able to reach people in more places more easily. And we have strengthened regular and practical engagements with the Government in Damascus and at the local level on a range of areas, including making humanitarian procedures for the United Nations and non-governmental organizations more efficient, organizing more rigorous needs assessments, developing a national contingency plan and providing technical support across a range of sectors. Because of these improvements, and using this moment of change in Syria to focus our efforts in line with the humanitarian reset, we have been able to reach 3.4 million people per month — 25 per cent more than last year — despite lower levels of funding. This includes mobilizing to respond to new needs, as well as existing ones. But with our humanitarian appeal for 2025 only 30 per cent funded, there are millions more people that we cannot help. This shortfall continues to cause reductions or disruptions in critical assistance and difficult prioritization decisions. Donors continue to provide generous support — and here allow me to acknowledge the European Union, the United Kingdom and the United States as the largest donors to our humanitarian appeal this year. Last week, the Emergency Relief Coordinator also allocated $18 million for Syria through the Central Emergency Response Fund. Our teams are completing a first countrywide multisectoral needs assessment and updated food security and nutrition assessments, which will underpin an even more targeted and prioritized response plan for 2026, to be issued in the first quarter of the year. But we know that needs will remain immense next year. And without a reversal in the downward funding trend, more and more people will fall behind, and the task for recovery will only grow. My colleagues in Syria recently spoke with Rawaa, a single mother who returned from Türkiye with her two children to her village in Hama. She dreams of starting a small business with which, she said, she could finally offer her children the future they deserve. Her story echoes those of countless more women across Syria who want to rebuild their lives and help their country recover. We owe it to them to give them that chance. It is rare that a crisis of Syria’s magnitude is presented with such a potential turnaround. The past year has provided cause for encouragement for us to redouble our efforts. We must seize the moment.

I thank Ms. Msuya for her briefing. I now give the floor to Ms. Jalabi.

Thank you for the opportunity to deliver this briefing. Allow me to begin with a brief message in Arabic. I address my words to Syrian women and men everywhere — inside the country and across the diaspora, to those who have returned to confront their losses and wounds, to the martyrs of the Syrian revolution who said “no” in the face of tyranny, who paid the ultimate price and did not live to witness the great day of joy with the fall of the Al-Assad regime, and to those who remain in the camps and who still hold on to hope for achieving justice. I wish them well every year. Let us continue our path forward with a people-centred approach — with awareness, responsibility and a steadfast insistence that the voice of the great Syrian people be the source of all authority and its compass. (spoke in English) My name is Mariam Jalabi. I am a daughter of the Syrian revolution, from Qamishli and the Golan Heights. I represent the Syrian Women’s Political Movement. Like many Syrians, my struggle is deeply personal. My father, Khales Jalabi, was imprisoned multiple times in Al-Assad’s prisons, as were relatives, friends and countless Syrians whose lives were marked by fear and persecution under the regime. The day of 8 December 2024 marked Syria’s liberation — a historic turning point, a new dawn that opened the door to building a country that all Syrians can claim as their own, rooted in equality, justice and dignity. On 5 January 2025, I returned to Syria after 14 years in exile. At the border, I was told I had been wanted by three security branches, yet the officer smiled and said, “Welcome home”. I entered my country without fear. Later, I brought my family there for the first time to show them that we now have a country that we can finally call home. What I share today is not an abstract political appeal. It is the voice of women and families who lived for 54 years under a brutal regime and paid the ultimate price for freedom over the past 14 years. The road ahead is turbulent and demanding, but allow me to outline a path forward built on three interdependent pillars. The first pillar is a political transition anchored in democratic principles and the rule of law. As stipulated by resolution 1325 (2000), this means recognizing women as full partners in a new Syria and as architects of its constitutional, economic and political future. My message today to the Council is clear: we stand here ready for the work it requires. Yet, today, women hold only 5 per cent of seats in the People’s Assembly and only one ministerial position, making women’s representation far from where it needs to be. Genuine political engagement, with a guarantee of at least 30 per cent women’s inclusion — moving toward parity — is critical for national commissions, constitutional processes, elections, local governance, security sector reform and economic planning. In addition, it is essential to open civic and political space so that people can freely express themselves and form political parties reflecting their vision for a pluralistic Syria. The role of civil society, having carried the struggle for the past 14 years, must also be affirmed as an essential partner. All of this must be anchored in the spirit of resolution 2254 (2015), reaffirmed by resolution 2799 (2025), as a road map for an inclusive, Syrian-led transition. The second pillar is protecting the human rights of every Syrian, without exception. The true measure of any transition lies in the safety and dignity of all civilians, regardless of identity or geography. Lives continue to be lost in Syria through massacres and sexual and gender-based violence, putting entire communities in grave danger. On 8 December, Syrians collectively vowed “never again”. Now, we must turn that vow into reality. This means an end to abductions, torture and organized violence, especially all forms of gender-based violence, by all parties; justice and accountability as core principles of the political transition, with women’s rights at the centre, including through the National Commission for Transitional Justice; clarifying the fate of all disappeared and missing persons and ensuring support for their families, including through the Syrian National Commission for Missing Persons, because no family can heal while loved ones are unaccounted for; and a comprehensive national law to prevent and respond to gender-based violence. We need a commitment to reform and to refrain from adopting any new discriminatory laws on personal status, nationality, labour and education, in line with international standards. This includes the directive issued recently barring mothers from having custody over their children. The withdrawal of the Al-Assad regime’s reservations to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women is a must. These reservations undermine its core guarantees of equality and non-discrimination, including on freedom of movement and equality of rights in marriage. Protection also means protection from external aggression and violations of sovereignty. When I returned to Syria in January, I found Israeli forces occupying my village in the Golan Heights. Last week, the doors were blown off of my family home. I know first-hand how occupation strips communities of dignity and belonging. Syrians in the Golan, like all Syrians, deserve to live free of violence, occupation and fear. No transition can gain trust without safety. No peace can hold without justice. And no future can be built without inclusivity — of all Syrians, including women, civil society, youth and other marginalized groups. The third pillar is sustainable economic recovery. The continued lifting of broad sanctions is essential for economic recovery, without which we cannot rebuild. More than 90 per cent of Syrians live under the poverty line. More than 50 percent of education and healthcare infrastructure and one-third of housing have been damaged or destroyed. More than 2.5 million children are out of school. These are not just statistics. These are warnings that, without ensuring economic dignity, we are condemning a generation to uncertainty. Women and girls are deeply affected by this economic crisis. When men were killed, disappeared, detained or displaced, gender roles began to shift. In addition to continuing the unpaid and invisible gendered labour of caring for their families and the injured, millions of women became sole providers. They did this during conflict, without access to formal work, banking, land ownership, documentation or support. They continued doing this while facing gender- based violence and legal discrimination. Economic recovery must include women at its core, because they are rooted in the needs of their own communities. Also, the national reconstruction plan must include rural and heavily damaged areas, not only major cities. In the light of all these challenges, at such a sensitive moment in Syria’s transition, I urge the Security Council to do the following. First, the Council must initiate discussions on how best to support an inclusive, rights-based, Syrian-owned and Syrian-led transition, including through a new presence of the United Nations. Secondly, the Council must demand the full, equal, meaningful and safe participation of all women at all levels of Syria’s transition and respect for their human rights, in accordance with the Security Council resolutions on women and peace and security. Thirdly, the Council must call on the Syrian authorities to work with women’s civil society to develop, adopt and fully implement a Syrian national action plan on women and peace and security. Fourthly, the Council must demand an end to the continued Israeli aggression in Syria and its full withdrawal to the 1974 line in accordance with the Agreement on Disengagement between Israeli and Syrian Forces. Failure to do so endangers civilians and undermines regional security. Finally, the Syrian people want justice. The Council must hold Al-Assad and his collaborators accountable, including by referring the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court. Syria does not need guardianship. It needs partnership — shared responsibility between Syrians and the international community. Peace will not be built by political arrangements alone, but through justice and unwavering respect for the dignity of every Syrian. (spoke in Arabic) Let me conclude as I began, in Arabic: long live the free and independent Syria, and long live the great Syrian people.

I thank Ms. Jalabi for her briefing. I shall now give the floor to those Council members who wish to make statements.

I extend a special thanks to all of our briefers today. First, I want to condemn the cowardly terrorist ambush on United States personnel in Syria on 13 December. The United States mourns the loss of Sergeant Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, Sergeant William Nathaniel Howard and United States civilian interpreter Ayad Mansoor Sakat. We also hope for a speedy recovery for those who were wounded. We remain committed to defeating terrorism with our Syrian partners. Alongside the Syrian Government, we will relentlessly pursue every individual, facilitator, financier and enabler involved in this heinous act. We welcome President Al-Sharaa’s strong commitment to identify, pursue and hold accountable the perpetrators of that attack. Together, we will eradicate terrorism in Syria. Last week, Syrians marked the one-year anniversary of the fall of the Al-Assad regime and welcomed their new chance for peace, unity and prosperity. We honour their resilience, and we join them in celebrating the shared hope for a future that belongs to the Syrian people. As President Trump stated earlier this month, the United States is working to make sure that the Government of Syria continues to do what it can to build a unified country. Our vision for a prosperous Middle East and a stable Syria is one at peace with itself and with its neighbours. A Syria at peace with itself is one in which the future of the country belongs to every Syrian. The United States reaffirms its support for a peaceful, prosperous Syria that includes its minorities. Peace among neighbours, including between Israel and Syria, is a critical component of this vision, and we want to do everything we can to help achieve that. We have ceased most United States sanctions on Syria in order to encourage business and commercial development in the area and to allow Syria a chance to rebuild. We continue to support and facilitate dialogue between the Syrian Government and the Syrian Democratic Forces. We are focused on maintaining this positive momentum on the implementation of, and recommitment to, the integration agreement of 10 March between the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Syrian Government. The United States also continues to support vulnerable populations in Syria, in particular the minorities in the country’s south. As Syria enters the second year of its transition, let us continue to work to support the Syrian Government’s efforts to build a stable and prosperous country.

We would like to thank Ms. Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, and Ms. Joyce Msuya, Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs. We are grateful for their detailed briefings on the situation in the Syrian Arab Republic. We have listened attentively to Ms. Jalabi. On 4 December, the Security Council conducted its first-ever mission to Damascus. We, too, wish to extend our gratitude to the Syrian authorities for their hospitality, and we would like to share our impressions following this brief but very significant trip. Of key importance here, of course, was the fact that the Security Council voiced its consolidated position in favour of respect for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Syria. We also sent a unified message asserting that there is no alternative to facilitating a genuinely inclusive political transition in the country, which needs to be Syrian-owned and Syrian-led, stabilizing Syria and ensuring further sustainable and progressive development of the country. In this regard, it was necessary not only to establish contacts with the Syrian leadership, but also to meet with representatives of various population groups, including ethnic and religious minorities. It is equally important to note that those talks were centred on the fundamental need to preserve a unified Syrian State, which undoubtedly requires the establishment of a frank nationwide dialogue involving a broad gamut of ethnic and religious groups, including the Alawites, the Druze, the Sunnis and the Kurds. The Security Council mission saw first-hand that the Syrian authorities are going through a very complicated stage of political transition and are encountering a number of major socioeconomic challenges in various parts of the country. Attempts to resolve these problems continue to be largely impeded by the aggressive external interference by some of Syria's neighbours. We note the complex situation in the area beyond the Euphrates, where certain external and internal actors are still trying to play the Kurdish card. However, what constitutes the most egregious violation of Syria’s sovereignty is undoubtedly Israel’s actions in the south of the Syrian Arab Republic, which fly in the face of international law. We are extremely concerned about the military activity of West Jerusalem, which continues to carry out strikes targeting Syrian territory under the pretext of protecting Syrian minorities and combating terrorist threats. In this context, we cannot but mention the recent bloody attack by the Israel Defense Forces on 28 November in Bayt Jinn in the Damascus region, where the Israeli ground raid and subsequent air strikes are reported to have killed more than 20 Syrians. In addition to the use of force and the direct occupation of the Syrian Golan Heights, the Israeli Government is trotting out abhorrent demands for the demilitarization of southern Syria from Damascus to the Golan. Equally provocative was the visit by a high-level Israeli delegation, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to the occupied Golan Heights in mid-November. We call upon the Israeli leadership to refrain from such perilous steps, which directly undermine the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic. We also trust that West Jerusalem, not in words but in deeds, will demonstrate its commitment to the 1974 Agreement on Disengagement between Israeli and Syrian Forces and that Israel will withdraw its units from positions they have arbitrarily taken up and facilitate the restoration of the full-fledged and unfettered operations of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force, whose mandate is to be extended by the Security Council in the days to come. Another major challenge on Syrian soil is the terrorist threats, emanating primarily from Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant and Al-Qaida. The persistence of this problem is clearly evidenced by the terrorist attack on 13 December targeting a United States-Syrian patrol in central Syria, near Palmyra, which killed three United States nationals and wounded several others. We extend our condolences to the families and friends of those who perished and wish a speedy recovery to all those wounded. We also note that, according to some reports, the Syrian authorities have been undertaking efforts to locate and detain the perpetrators of that attack. The full details of what transpired have yet to be clarified. However, that attack is a further reminder of the need to resolutely combat all manifestations of terrorism in Syria, including the activities of foreign terrorist fighters, while preventing the resurgence of this threat and its possible spillover beyond Syria. In addition to external and domestic political risks, Syria’s new leadership faces pressing economic and humanitarian challenges. We are concerned by the fact that, despite political shifts in the country and the efforts of United Nations agencies, the humanitarian situation not only remains dire but is also showing signs of systemic deterioration. The economic crisis has worsened and is now protracted in nature, with declining real incomes and food insecurity turning into persistent factors of instability. All this is compounded by frequent armed incidents and ongoing tensions in a number of provinces, which have a devastating impact and limit Syrians’ access to basic goods and services. The crisis in Syria vividly demonstrates how unilateral sanctions, trade restrictions and other coercive measures undermine economic resilience and place a heavy long-term burden, first and foremost, on the shoulders of the most vulnerable population groups. Today, more than ever, the country needs not only humanitarian assistance, but also investment, early recovery projects and technical assistance programmes. We cannot but be disappointed by the fact that only 30 per cent of the humanitarian appeal has been met, having raised only $945 million of the stated goal of $3.2 billion. As for recovery projects and programmes, their implementation can only be achieved through the complete lifting of illegitimate unilateral sanctions, which, unfortunately, and contrary to the statements of Western countries, remain in effect and are exacerbating the crisis. We proceed from the assumption that the “new Syria” needs a decisive impetus for its own development, which would mean launching a full-fledged economic activity, rebuilding production capacities and creating opportunities to independently meet the needs of the population. It is important for the international community to pool its efforts in order to help the Syrians achieve this goal.

I would like to thank Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo and Assistant Secretary-General Msuya for their briefings. I particularly want to thank Ms. Mariam Jalabi for her statement and for being a strong and trusted voice of the Syrian opposition for the past 14 years here in New York. The historic visit of the Security Council to Syria opened a new chapter in the relationship between the Council, the United Nations and the Syrian people — a relationship that we must continue to reinforce and rebuild. During the Council’s visit, we recognized many positive achievements realized by the transitional Government in the past year, but also the need for further progress. Our meeting with civil society representatives confirmed the need to continue calling for an inclusive and transparent political process; and our meeting with relatives of victims of the violence in the coastal region and in Suwayda’ made abundantly clear, at a time when intercommunal tensions and sectarian violence remain high, the critical importance of accountability and progress on transitional justice. We urge the transitional Government to make the best use of the Organization’s expertise and capacities to this end. A natural next step would be the establishment of a permanent presence of the Office of the Special Envoy in Damascus. During the Council’s visit to Damascus, we were impressed by the level of security but also reminded of the many security challenges that continue to plague the country. We were deeply appalled by the news of the attack on a joint United States– Syria patrol in Palmyra last week, demonstrating the persistent threat posed by Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) across Syria. We express our deepest condolences to the families of the victims, and we underline our unwavering commitment to ensuring that ISIL not be allowed to recreate its terrorist regime. We continue to reiterate our commitment to Syria’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. Denmark urges Israel to halt its air strikes and incursions inside Syria and to respect the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement. We hope that the ongoing negotiations between Israel and Syria translate into tangible peace and stability for the people of Syria and the region. With respect to the north-east, we encourage the transitional Government and the Syrian Democratic Forces to remain at the negotiating table even after the deadline set for implementation of the 10 March agreement by the end of this year. As highlighted by Ms. Jalabi, women should play a critical role in Syria’s transition. Last week, Denmark, Finland and Norway co-hosted an event in Damascus focusing on women, peace and security together with the Minister of Social Affairs and Labour, Ms. Hind Kabawat, and UN-Women. As was the case with the Council’s meeting with civil society, an event like this would have been unthinkable just one year ago. Women’s full and meaningful participation in all aspects of governance and public life is required for a peaceful, inclusive and sustainable future for Syria. Importantly, women should be broadly represented in the People’s Assembly, but also in the executive branch and in the private sector. With the number of challenges Syria faces in the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the country, all smart minds are needed to succeed. While long-term progress calls for patience, the humanitarian situation requires acute action, as we just heard from Assistant Secretary-General Msuya. With winter approaching, shelter, heating, housing and nutrition are crucial. Preparing local communities for returnees, including by opening schools and building social cohesion, is also needed. The humanitarian situation requires an urgent and comprehensive United Nations response, and Denmark remains deeply concerned about the severe underfunding of the 2025 humanitarian response plan. Denmark has chosen to make an extraordinary year-end contribution of $6 million to the humanitarian response to the Syrian crisis, in addition to the almost $50 million already allocated this year. We encourage all other Member States to join us in increasing their funding. In closing, the gunfire that lit up the Damascene sky a little over a year ago has given way to fireworks celebrating the one-year anniversary of the fall of the Al- Assad regime. These celebrations are a sign that the resolve of the Syrian people endures. When visiting Damascus, we saw the joy and pride on the faces of people in the streets, but we also saw the shattered buildings on the outskirts of the city, reminding us of the brutality of what came before. Looking back, the progress made by Syria over the past year has been nothing short of remarkable. At the same time, the challenges facing Syria are many, and the path forward will be tough. We ask the Syrians to trust us when we say that we are here to support them, and that the United Nations can help accompany the new Syria on this path forward.

I thank Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo and Assistant Secretary-General Joyce Msuya for their briefings, and Ms. Mariam Jalabi for her pertinent statement and clear messages. The recent historic visit of the Council to Syria — the first such visit since its founding in 1945 — sent a strong signal of support for Syria’s reintegration into the international community. It also demonstrated the commitment of the United Nations in this regard. As Syria has embarked on the initial phases of post-civil-war reconstruction, the first anniversary since the fall of the Al-Assad regime should be translated into concrete steps towards the country’s full recovery and its re-establishment on the international stage. The United Nations can act as a reliable partner to the Syrian authorities and play a crucial role in making such a vision a reality. In this respect, we look forward to the imminent appointment of a new Special Envoy, and we support the relocation of his or her office from Geneva to Damascus. Turning the page in the Syrian Arab Republic requires the full protection and inclusion of all components of its society. A nationwide reconciliation presupposes that all voices will be heard, that all will be fairly represented and that all will be equally protected. Muslims, Alawites, Christians, Druze and Kurds deserve the same right to equal representation and the same chance for peace. In this vein, we look forward to the allocation of the remaining parliamentary seats to ensure fairer representation for underrepresented communities, including women and ethnic and religious minorities. Similarly, there is no doubt that extremism cannot stain the path to peace and security and should be addressed accordingly. It is crucial to ensure accountability for those who committed criminal acts. We condemn the recent attack on the United States military convoy in Syria, which resulted in the death of two soldiers and one civilian. Syria’s accession to the international counter-Da’esh coalition, a most welcome step, must be translated into targeted measures to uproot radicalism. Syrians cannot afford another descent into violence stemming from inside the country or abroad. In this respect, we express concern about the recent incidents in Homs. We also regret the tragic loss of 13 civilians, including women and children, on 28 November in the town of Bayt Jinn, which constitutes a violation of international humanitarian law. We express our sincere condolences to the families of the victims. On a positive note, we are encouraged by certain steps, such as the conduct of the first trial of suspects linked to the deadly coastal violence, the detention of security and military personnel for perpetrating sectarian attacks in Suwayda’, as well as the overtures made by President Al-Sharaa to the Christian community. We hope these will translate into concrete results. We look forward to the publication of the Syrian commission’s report by the end of this year. Accountability and transitional justice should remain a top priority. In parallel, security sector reform is a prerequisite for stability. The 10 March agreement between the Syrian Democratic Forces and Damascus must be implemented in good faith and without foreign interference, and the situation in the north-east must not be used as a pretext for foreign actors to intervene in Syria’s domestic affairs. Last but not least, the path to recovery requires expedited international support. Such support is urgently needed, as the humanitarian situation across Syria is being exacerbated by harsh winter conditions, high levels of malnutrition and significant funding constraints. Greece has financially contributed to various humanitarian fields and will continue to do so. Moreover, we have repeatedly expressed our readiness to stand by the Syrians and to actively participate in the recovery of the country. In conclusion, inclusivity, accountability and respect for Syria’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity constitute key elements in putting the country back on the track of stability and prosperity. The Council’s visit to Syria served as a testimony to the progress achieved, as well as an expression of trust in the new Syrian Government and in all Syrians. We look forward to further strengthening our relations with Damascus, and we remain committed to the vision of a prosperous Syria, worthy of the aspirations of the Syrian people, where the rule of law and human rights are respected and where all feel safe and equal.

We thank Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo, Assistant Secretary-General Joyce Masuya and Ms. Mariam Jalabi for their briefings. One year ago, Syria reached a historic milestone after years of devastating conflict. That moment not only marked a turning point for the Syrian people but also provided an opportunity for a path towards stability, recovery and reconciliation. It also opened a renewed window for the international community to engage constructively in support of the Syrian people. The recent Security Council visit conveyed an important political message of solidarity and allowed Council members to witness first-hand the realities on the ground, reinforcing the importance of sustained and informed engagement. Over the past year, Syria has witnessed sustained movement across both internal and international tracks. In this context, the transition process has emerged as the foremost priority. We note with appreciation the transitional steps undertaken by the Syrian Government over the past year, including the issuance of a constitutional declaration, the formation of a new cabinet, the conduct of legislative elections and the convening of a national dialogue day. The establishment of a parliament and a constitutional court would represent further important steps towards rebuilding a functioning and inclusive State architecture. The unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria remain indispensable for lasting stability. All State institutions and security structures must ultimately operate under a single central framework in order to prevent fragmentation and ensure effective governance. The progress and efforts by the Syrian Government towards reintegrating armed factions under a unified command should be supported. In this context, we encourage the full and timely implementation of the 10 March agreement, as well as the Amman road map, as constructive steps towards national cohesion and inclusive security arrangements. At the same time, terrorism continues to pose a serious challenge. We condemn the recent terrorist attack on a joint United States–Syrian patrol in Palmyra and express our deep condolences for the precious lives lost. This attack is a stark reminder that Da’esh remains a threat and must be decisively confronted. Similarly, addressing the presence of foreign terrorist fighters and advancing disarmament, demobilization and reintegration measures are critical to consolidating long-term security. On the economic front, the lifting of sanctions by the United States and the European Union, alongside growing investment by regional countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Türkiye, are welcome steps. Attention should now shift decisively from a humanitarian framework towards sustainable development and reconstruction. This transition is essential to restoring livelihoods, rebuilding critical infrastructure and enabling the people of Syria to regain a sense of normalcy after years of hardship. In this regard, international support must be mobilized in a coordinated, predictable and principled manner. At a time when de-escalation and peace are urgently needed, and despite Syria’s continued efforts to exercise restraint and pursue diplomatic avenues, repeated and blatant violations of Syria’s sovereignty by Israel undermine stability and risk further escalation. We condemn the attacks in Bayt Jinn and the occupation of Syrian territory by Israel. These actions run counter to international law and thwart peace efforts, and they must be stopped. This was also the sense from the Security Council mission to Damascus. Security Council resolutions 338 (1973) and 497 (1981), as well as the 1974 Agreement on Disengagement between Israeli and Syrian Forces, should be strictly adhered to. Any new security arrangements must have the consent of the concerned parties and the endorsement of the Security Council. Pakistan reaffirms its full commitment to stand with Syria and its people, to support a Syrian-owned and Syrian-led political process, to uphold Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and to work with the international community to ensure that the Syrian people are empowered to rebuild their country in peace, dignity and stability.

I extend my appreciation to Ms. Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs; Ms. Joyce Msuya, Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator; and Ms. Mariam Jalabi, co-founder of the Syrian Women’s Political Movement, for their briefings. I also extend a warm welcome to the representatives of the Syrian Arab Republic, Kuwait, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Israel and Türkiye in the Chamber. Just a year ago, Syria was going through one of the darkest chapters in its millennia-old history. In its quest for freedom, its people valiantly resisted while remaining trapped in a conflict fuelled by multiple actors. Today, that same country, still marked by deep wounds, has begun to write new pages with a tone of hopefulness. The first official visit of the Security Council to Damascus has highlighted a fundamental fact: Syria has reopened its doors to the world. Panama appreciates the courtesies extended to our Permanent Representative, who shared with us his impressions of the genuine happiness he witnessed upon interacting with various actors in Syria. Direct contact with the interim authorities, civil society, communities affected by sectarian violence and transitional bodies demonstrates that there exists a shared desire to move forward. This juncture offers an opportunity for the emergence of public spaces that demonstrate that a new social contract is possible — a contract between Syrians and their Government that avoids the marginalization of minorities, opens spaces for the contributions of women and addresses their aspirations for dignity and justice for the victims. We appreciate the presentation by Ms. Mariam Jalabi, which moved us and made us reflect on the difficult situation that women face on the ground. We are pleased that, with this political transition, there is more hope for a more promising future in this regard. Likewise, the growing diplomatic reintegration of Syria and the easing of sanctions evidence a renewed political will on the part of the international community. We also observe that challenges persist: social tensions, unhealed wounds between communities, economic difficulties and incipient administrative structures. Recently, we witnessed the attack perpetrated in Palmyra, which resulted in the tragic death of two soldiers of the United States Army and a civilian interpreter, for whom we extend condolences to their family members. This fact underlines the need to bolster the fight against terrorism and respond with due restraint to reaffirm that Syria is no longer a war zone, but a country advancing towards the rule of law. In view of the foregoing, we urge the Syrian interim authorities to preserve this spirit of collaboration, openness and respect for human rights, advancing towards a stable Syria oriented towards improving the lives of all Syrians and thereby contributing to the stability of the region. Panama observes the current reality of Syria with understanding and solidarity, conscious of what it implies to recover from adversity and rebuild a country from its foundations. We therefore recognize this moment with hope and a sense of opportunity because Syria can now travel the path of development and the United Nations can support it with respect for its sovereignty, but also with firmness in the defence of the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and Security Council resolution 2254 (2015).

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the three African members of the Security Council, namely Sierra Leone, Somalia and my own country, Algeria, as well as Guyana At the outset, the A3+ thanks Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo and Assistant Secretary-General Joyce Msuya for their briefings. We especially commend Deputy Special Envoy Najat Rochdi for her dedication and wish her, on behalf of the A3, a speedy recovery. We wish her successor, Mr. Claudio Cordone, every success. We renew our full support for the United Nations efforts to support Syria during the transitional period. We also listened attentively to the civil society representative. One year ago, Syria entered a new chapter in its history, one marked by hope for freedom and prosperity but also by serious challenges. The Security Council’s visit to Damascus on 4 December conveyed a strong message of solidarity with Syria and its people and allowed the Council to better grasp both the scale of the challenges and the determination to overcome them. In this regard, I would like to highlight the following points. First, the A3+ welcomes the day of dialogue in Syria and remains encouraged by the discussions the Council held with civil society in Syria. We underscore the central role of women and youth in conflict prevention, peacebuilding, recovery, reconciliation and the reconstruction of a cohesive and inclusive Syrian society. We therefore call for the integration of women and youth in all efforts related to the management of the transitional period. Their meaningful participation is not optional but indispensable to building legitimate and resilient institutions. Secondly, violence can only be overcome through reconciliation and transitional justice. Syria’s rich heritage of peaceful coexistence among its communities must be preserved and strengthened. We encourage the Syrian Government to pursue further concrete steps in this regard. Thirdly, a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process is not a slogan but the core principle of resolution 2254 (2015). Inclusivity must guide all political, social and institutional efforts to ensure lasting stability and prosperity. Fourthly, the A3+ reaffirms its unwavering support for the unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Syria. We firmly reject any interference in Syria’s internal affairs. Decisions related to the future of Syria must be taken only by Syrians and their legitimate representatives. Fifthly, the recent terrorist attack is a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by terrorism. The resurgence of Da’esh is a grave concern for the region and for international peace and security. The A3+ calls for effective and decisive collective action. Sixthly, Israel continues to be a source of destabilization in Syria. The A3+ condemns Israel’s ongoing military operations on Syrian territory, which constitute clear violations of international law. In this regard, we condemn the recent incursions, including Israeli drone strikes in the village of Bayt Jinn, in which 13 people lost their lives. We call for the full implementation of the 1974 Agreement on Disengagement between Israeli and Syrian Forces and reaffirm that the occupied Syrian Golan is an integral part of Syria, in accordance with Security Council resolution 497 (1981). These Israeli violations must cease immediately. Finally, the scale of destruction in Syria is unprecedented, and the needs are immense. The international community must adopt a comprehensive approach, moving from humanitarian assistance to sustainable development. Refugee return and national stability are inseparable from reconstruction and economic recovery, yet current funding levels and investment remain far below what is required. The A3+ calls upon donors to honour their commitments and the private sector to increase its investment in Syria. In conclusion, the A3+ reaffirms its full and enduring commitment to stand with Syria and its people, to support a Syrian-owned political process, to uphold its sovereignty and territorial integrity and to mobilize international solidarity so that the Syrian people can rebuild their country in peace, dignity and stability. The Council must remain united and engaged to ensure that this historic opportunity translates into lasting peace for Syria and the wider region.

I thank Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo and Assistant Secretary-General Msuya for their informative briefings. My heartfelt appreciation also goes to Ms. Jalabi for her insightful remarks. The Council’s recent visit marked a new chapter for Syria after the fall of the Al-Assad regime, yet the heinous terrorist attack against the United States-Syria joint patrol tragically illustrates the fragile peace and security in the country. Let me highlight the following three points. First, we urge Damascus to swiftly devise a road map that can prevent further rise of violent extremism in the country, as a means to achieve an inclusive transition for all Syrians. While the motive is yet to be revealed, it is deeply concerning that the accused has been serving in the internal security forces, the very institution tasked with providing security for all components of Syrian society. Needless to say, all segments of this diverse and fragmented country should be assured of their safety to fully commit themselves to Damascus’s initiatives for an inclusive transition. We therefore reiterate our call on Damascus to implement robust vetting and rehabilitation measures to both remove and prevent extremist ideologies from taking root in its security institutions. In parallel, Damascus must establish a State monopoly over weapons and the use of force, the failure of which has been an enabling cause of repeated internal and sectarian violence. Secondly, we welcome the progress made between Syria and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) on completing the Syrian chemical weapons file. This quarter featured significant developments in bilateral cooperation, including Syria’s appointment of a permanent representative to the OPCW and its hosting of an OPCW office in Damascus. Also noteworthy are the OPCW’s tentative findings that the information gathered during the Secretariat’s deployment this year may culminate in Syria’s further declaration. We also welcome the decision taken in October on the expedited on-site destruction of any remaining chemical weapons in Syria. We commend Syria’s efforts in providing necessary support to the OPCW team within its limited resources. As the OPCW also highlighted in its November report, we call upon Syria to redouble its efforts by providing suitable office space that could better ensure the integrity and confidentiality of the Secretariat’s vital activities. Thirdly, the international community should not turn a blind eye to Syria’s long- term humanitarian and economic challenges. As briefed by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, only 30 per cent of the required funding for the 2025 humanitarian response priorities for Syria has been secured, limiting essential services for refugees and creating notable gaps in winterization support. It is also deeply disturbing that more than 350 healthcare facilities have either suspended or scaled back their operations during this time of need, affecting 7.4 million civilians. For our part, the Republic of Korea provided $38 million in humanitarian assistance this year through international organizations, focusing on restoring livelihood services and reaching affected communities to revitalize hope in the country. We also made a voluntary financial contribution of around €150,000 to the Syria trust fund this year. We believe these projects will alleviate suffering, and, in this context, urge all States to proactively consider making contributions to Syria’s early recovery as it navigates a new direction ahead. The Republic of Korea will also continue to support our shared efforts on the Syrian dossier. In recalling the past two years we feel a sense of appreciation, as we had the privilege to be involved in the Security Council’s discussions following the historic fall of the Al-Assad regime. The path has been uneven and challenging, yet Damascus has continued its efforts despite limited capacity and persistent societal divisions. As an outgoing member of the Council, we take this opportunity to express our hope that all members will continue to approach Syria with patience, realism and a spirit of constructive engagement, in advancement of peace, human rights and prosperity for all Syrian people.

I first thank the Under-Secretary- General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Ms. DiCarlo, and the Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Ms. Msuya, for their briefings. I also thank Ms. Jalabi for her poignant testimony and proposals. On 8 December, the Syrian people commemorated the anniversary of the fall of the Al-Assad regime. Syria has been engaged in a fundamental transition for one year. Those efforts are bearing fruit, as evidenced by the return of 1.2 million Syrians in recent months. However, the task remains immense and difficult. For France, the Council’s visit to Damascus was an opportunity to convey a message of support and to listen to the Syrian authorities and civil society. We thank President Al-Sharaa for his warm hospitality and our colleague, Ambassador Olabi, for organizing this trip so successfully. The Security Council and the United Nations must mobilize to ensure the success of this metamorphosis. We have therefore set three objectives for 2026. The first objective is to eradicate the scourge of terrorism for Syria and Syrians, of course, but also to ensure that Syria can no longer serve as a rear base for terrorist groups. France strongly condemns the terrorist attack near Palmyra against United States military and civilian personnel, which caused several casualties among the United States forces and their Syrian escorts. We offer our condolences to the victims and their loved ones. In support of the essential efforts of the Syrian authorities, the resurgence of Da’esh attacks calls for increased multilateral cooperation, particularly within the framework of the international counter-Da’esh coalition, in which France is firmly committed alongside the Syrian transitional authorities and 90 other partners. Secondly, support must be provided for the policy of national reconciliation, institutional recovery and the rebuilding of Syria. While the needs of the population remain immense, intercommunal tensions remain high and the socioeconomic situation is slow to improve, the Council must continue to engage the international community. To respond to the humanitarian emergency and launch reconstruction, the European Union lifted sectoral sanctions against Syria last May.The United Nations has a major role to play in supporting these humanitarian, development and reconstruction efforts. The establishment of new, democratic and inclusive institutions and the policy of national reconciliation and transitional justice must continue in order to enable Syria to bring together all components of its society, all faiths and all communities, women and men, on an equal footing. In Damascus, the Council was able to assess the work that remains to be done and the role that the United Nations can play, while fully respecting Syrian sovereignty. We welcome the new United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator ad interim in Syria, Ms. Nathalie Fustier, and the next United Nations Deputy Special Envoy of the Secretary- General for Syria, Mr. Claudio Cordone. Thirdly, Syria’s full integration into its neighbourhood must be pursued for the sake of peace and stability in the region. After decades of a threatening Syria under Al-Assad’s rule, a major transformation is possible, and it is up to us to support it. Addressing the Council in Damascus, President Al-Sharaa and Minister Al-Shaibani emphasized their desire to establish a relationship with Lebanon based on mutual respect. This is a major change that we must support. Israel, for its part, must seize the opportunity presented by a Syria that is eager to make peace with its neighbours, as its authorities have stated, by respecting Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, ceasing its incursions, withdrawing from the territories it has occupied since December 2024 and fully complying with the 1974 Agreement on Disengagement between Israeli and Syrian Forces. The Council must continue to stand alongside the Syrian authorities and people in support of the construction of a free, united and sovereign Syria that is stable, in all its diversity.

At the outset, I wish to thank the briefers for their briefings, and welcome the representatives of Syria, Kuwait, Iran, Israel and Türkiye to today’s meeting. The Security Council delegation had a successful visit to Syria recently. I wish to take this opportunity to express my appreciation for the efforts made by Syria regarding the visit. This is the last time this year that the Council is routinely deliberating on the question of Syria. Over the past year, the Middle East has continued to experience instability, while the situation in Syria has seen significant changes. The Syrian transitional Government has made sustained efforts to advance the political transition, and the international community has provided substantial support to Syria in restoring stability, leading to positive developments in Syrian society. At the same time, the situation in Syria remains complex and fragile, with acute intercommunal tensions, a grim counter-terrorism situation and mounting humanitarian challenges. Israel’s deployment of forces in the area of separation and its strikes on Syrian targets have raised serious concerns about heightened tensions. Under such circumstances, it is necessary for the Security Council to strengthen its solidarity and coordination and continue to provide constructive support and assistance to Syria, so as to ensure that the situation in Syria remains on the right track. During the Security Council’s visit to Syria, representatives from all sectors of Syrian society conveyed to the Council their strong desire for national reconstruction and keen expectations for a better future, with a shared hope that Syria will regain stability, achieve economic recovery, remain open and reintegrate into the international community. The Syrian transitional Government should actively respond to the expectations of its people, guided by the Syrian-led and Syrian-owned principles set out in resolution 2254 (2015), engage in inclusive dialogue, promote internal reconciliation and find a national reconstruction plan that reflects the will of the Syrian people. All countries should fully respect the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Syria and allow the Syrian people to decide their own future. Security is an important prerequisite for national reconstruction. The counter- terrorism issue related to Syria is a shared concern of the international community. A large number of foreign terrorist fighters are active in Syria and commit crimes, severely threatening the peace and security of Syria itself and that of the wider region. The recent terrorist attacks in Homs and Idlib have once again sounded the alarm. We call on the Syrian transitional Government to fulfil its counter-terrorism obligations and take all effective measures to resolutely combat all international terrorist organizations listed by the Security Council, including the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement. All countries must maintain zero tolerance for terrorism, act in concert to counter terrorist threats and reject selective approaches and double standards in counter-terrorism. The listing by the Security Council sanctions regime is an important tool in counter-terrorism. Relevant Security Council committees should carefully consider de-listing requests and avoid making hasty decisions when conditions are not yet fully mature. China is ready to continue to work with the international community to play a constructive role in helping Syria achieve security, stability and development at an early date.

I thank Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo, Assistant Secretary-General Joyce Msuya and Ms. Jalabi for briefing us today, and I welcome the participation of the representative of Syria in our meeting. This month, we marked a year since the end of the Al-Assad regime’s brutal rule and the start of a brighter chapter for Syria. During the Security Council’s historic visit to Damascus to mark this anniversary, we met with the Syrian Government, civil society actors and religious leaders. Across these engagements, we heard a strong message of collective determination to build a more secure, stable, prosperous and inclusive country. I thank the representatives of Slovenia, Denmark and Algeria for leading that visit and the Syrian Government and the United Nations country team for such a strong welcome. We also heard of the challenges that remain in Syria: as Ms. Msuya said, humanitarian needs remain immense and drought-like conditions on water supply and agricultural production are likely to lead to a further deterioration in food security levels. To address these challenges, it will be crucial to ensure that humanitarian operations, in line with the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence, are possible. The appalling attack in Palmyra last week was a reminder of the enduring threat of terrorism in Syria. We express our condolences to the families of the three United States personnel killed. We welcome the decision of the Syrian Government to join the international counter-Da’esh coalition, a clear commitment to tackle security threats and support international efforts against terrorism. Instances of sectarian violence this year have deepened divisions and threatened a peaceful political transition. We call for a greater focus on social cohesion and the protection of human rights to prevent violent events like this from happening again. As we heard powerfully from Ms. Jalabi, a successful transition needs to include representation from across Syria’s diverse ethnic and religious communities, and the full, equal, meaningful and safe participation of women. We welcome the continued dialogue between Israel and Syria, but we remain deeply concerned by Israel’s ongoing attacks in Syria, which risk further destabilizing the country. The impact of these attacks on civilians is unacceptable. We again call on Israel to respect Syria’s territorial integrity and to uphold its obligations to peace, stability and security under international law. In Damascus, we made clear that the United Nations also has a vital role to play in supporting Syria. We welcome the growing relationship between the United Nations and the Syrian Government, and support the United Nations plans to relocate the Office of the Special Envoy to Damascus. Finally, the easing of sanctions and increased investment from international partners have provided an important boost to Syria’s recovery. The second year of Syria’s transition will be pivotal. We should continue to offer our collective support to drive progress towards an inclusive transition, enabling Syrians to live in peace, prosperity and security.

I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of Slovenia. I thank Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo and Assistant Secretary-General Msuya for their briefings today. I also welcome the presence of the Ambassador of Syria in the Chamber. I especially extend our gratitude to Ms. Mariam Jalabi for her intervention. Her messages for the international community are heard loud and clear in this Chamber. We should have no doubt that the energy, commitment and sacrifice shown over decades by Syrian civil society, and Syrian women in particular, have kept the struggle for freedom and democracy in Syria alive. Civil society can and should continue to play an integral part in shaping Syria’s future, as part of a meaningful and inclusive national dialogue and at every table. As others have acknowledged, we convene today having recently marked one year since the fall of the brutal Al-Assad regime, a turning point in the trajectory of Syria’s long and rich history. We also meet two weeks after the historic visit of the Security Council to Syria, which Slovenia was proud to co-lead as President of the Council. Today offers an opportunity to reflect on the monumental events of the past year and the Council’s first-hand experience on the ground, while also looking to the great opportunities and responsibilities that lie ahead. Our visit was undertaken in the spirit of support and solidarity with the people of Syria. This remains our guiding light. The process ahead must be Syrian-led and Syrian-owned. What struck me during the visit was the extent of destruction in parts of Damascus, matched in equal measure by the determination of the Syrian people to rebuild. The international community should do all it can to support this and has already taken important steps. This includes the lifting of European Union economic sanctions in May and the adoption of resolution 2799 (2025) last month, and we welcome the decision of United States legislators to repeal the Caesar Syrian Civilian Protection Act. Yet much remains to be done to facilitate reconstruction and, critically, to transition from humanitarian assistance to sustainable long-term development and economic recovery. Slovenia sees the United Nations playing a critical supporting role and therefore hopes that we can soon move forward with an agreement on a reconfigured United Nations presence in Damascus. What we have learned from experience with conflict in our own region is that peace is more than just the absence of armed conflict. In the aftermath of seismic change, division persists and trust requires time to rebuild. This is evidenced by the devastating violence and continued volatility in Suwayda’ and the coastal region of Syria this year. There must be accountability for all acts of violence, recent and historic, regardless of the perpetrator. We welcome efforts undertaken by the Syrian authorities to establish national bodies to address recent violence, as well as issues relating to transitional justice and missing persons, efforts which are reinforced by the work of groundbreaking General Assembly mechanisms. The wounds of the past will be difficult to heal, but this work, when conducted transparently and effectively, is essential to the process of healing. Equally vital is the process of building a national security force under one umbrella, encompassing the disarmament, demobilization and integration of all armed groups, as well as countering and preventing terrorism and violent extremism. We condemn the killing of two United States soldiers and a translator in Palmyra days ago and express our deep regret on behalf of all victims of terrorism in Syria. The recent announcement that Syria will join the Global Coalition against Da’esh is welcome, as is the renewed cooperation with the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and the International Atomic Energy Agency. Slovenia furthermore calls for progress towards the implementation of the 10 March agreement between the Syrian Democratic Forces and the transitional authorities. Syria should be a centre for stability in the region. This requires the constructive engagement of Syria’s neighbours. We believe that the Security Council visit demonstrated our shared commitment to the country’s sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity. This principle should be respected by all at all times. In particular, Israel’s violations of the Disengagement of Forces Agreement are unjustifiable. There is no legal basis for invoking Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations to justify pre-emptive strikes in foreign territories. Slovenia calls for the full implementation of the 1974 Agreement and looks forward to the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force this month. At this critical opportunity for the region, we urge all actors to show restraint and choose the path of diplomacy. During our two years on the Security Council, it was arguably the change in Syria that most inspired a promise of hope for a better future. As Slovenia exits the Security Council, we remain fully invested in this promise. The journey ahead will, no doubt, be a long one. Its success will depend on building trust: trust among Syrians; trust between the Syrian people and the Syrian authorities; trust between Syria and its neighbours; and trust between Syria and the international community, which we believe can be forged and reaffirmed in this Chamber and in these very halls. There are no quick fixes, and we do not underestimate the scale of the challenge, but we believe that there is a common determination, including around this table, and with common determination much can be achieved. The Syrian people can count on Slovenia to continue to play its part.

Before I deliver my statement, allow me, from this global forum, to extend my warmest congratulations to the Syrian people, men and women, inside Syria and abroad, on the occasion of Liberation Day. May they and Syria enjoy well-being every year. At the outset, I thank Ms. Rosemary DiCarlo for her briefing and for her presence here today despite her illness, and I wish her a speedy recovery. I also thank Ms. Joyce Msuya for her briefing, and Ms. Mariam Jalabi, who delivered the briefing as a representative of Syrian civil society. We are proud that her voice, and those of Syrian women, are now heard in the new Syria and from the new Syria — a Syria that relies on Syrian women who have sacrificed and worked with courage to be true partners in the future we all aspire to. I would like to thank the Deputy Special Envoy, Ms. Najat Rochdi, for her efforts during her tenure. I would also like to thank all Council members who today demonstrated in their statements the unity of the Council in its support for Syria as we build our country and march towards the future. For more than a year now, the miracle of Syria has been ongoing. Let me showcase some of the achievements of Syrian men and women that led up to what Council members saw with their own eyes a couple of days ago in Damascus. At the moment of the liberation of Damascus, we declared that the page of tyranny was closed. We expressed our determination to build a State of law and achieve development and prosperity. At the national political level, we prevented anarchy and started building a Syria through a regulated and organized transition. We started with a national dialogue, drafting the constitutional declaration and then building a participatory Government, relying on Syrian expertise, from inside and outside Syria, that reflects Syrian diversity without any political or sectarian quotas, to fill the legislative vacuum. For the first time after decades of tyranny, Syrians had the chance for political participation. Elections to the People’s Assembly were organized in a way that takes into account the specific Syrian situation and the huge complex challenges inherited from the previous years of conflict. As for the judicial system, we started making improvements to ensure its independence and integrity. On the security level, the Ministry of the Interior has been reconfigured in a modern manner. We started by establishing a contemporary army, which has exclusive authority over all weapons. We also abolished compulsory military service. Now we have military and security institutions that are governed by codes of conduct that protect people, emphasizing how to treat citizens with respect and dignity. In the new Syria, security officers protect demonstrators, instead of repressing them. They stand with their heads held high, doing their duty to protect Syrians, irrespective of political, ethnic or religious affiliations. A year ago, something along these lines this would have been deemed an illusion. In the new Syria, all ministries and agencies are working non-stop to improve the living standards of all Syrians, Muslims, Christians and Jews, who have started to come back to their homeland after decades of forced displacement. To ensure sustainable stability, the National Commission for Transitional Justice was established in order to uphold the rights of the victims and to bring about comprehensive national reconciliation. Aware of our responsibility towards the mothers of missing persons and their relatives, we established the National Commission for Missing Persons to identify the fate of more than 100,000 persons who have gone missing or been forcibly disappeared. In the new Syria, the Government is undertaking its legal and moral obligations courageously. It addresses situations that were out of control in a responsible and transparent manner. The Government contained tensions and tackled community schisms resulting from the deplorable incidents that overwhelmed the coastal region. It established an independent commission of inquiry. Judicial authorities have started public trials of those convicted of these violations. The most recent of those trials took place today, this morning, in Aleppo. The new Syria is not built on impunity. It is, rather, built on the rule of law and accountability. As for the incidents that took place in Suwayda, aggravated by the malicious Israeli intervention, we have reached an advanced stage in the implementation of the road map that we established with Jordan and the United States to achieve stabilization, build confidence and ensure accountability, as well as ensure the reconstruction of villages and affected properties. It is noteworthy in this regard that in the coastal region and in Suwayda, the Government cooperated with United Nations mechanisms. We have approved the extension of the Independent Commission of Inquiry and, for the first time in Syrian history, the Commission was given unlimited access, as the Commission itself provided, to affected areas. We positively addressed the report of the Commission and its recommendations, in a precedent that reflects Syria’s commitment to transparency and constructive cooperation with the international community, on the basis of full respect for national sovereignty. Over the past year, Syria has seen progress as more than 3 million refugees and displaced persons returned to their homeland. That is a clear indication of the improvement in the security situation and restoration of trust in the country. On the international level, Syria restored its presence in the international arena. This was achieved by high-level visits to the East and West. The Syrian President participated in the high-level week of the General Assembly. Syrian diplomacy, through the efforts of Syrian men and women, managed to turn the page on the United States and European sanctions once and for all. As part of our commitment to regional and international security, Syria put an end to the scourge of drugs that has plagued the region at the hands of the fallen regime. Syria has dismantled smuggling networks in cooperation with neighbouring countries. Syria joined the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS. It continues to fulfil its counter-terrorism obligations, emphasizing that terrorism must never pose a threat to any country. Despite all these efforts, terrorist threats persist. The most recent example was the attack by Da’esh on elements of the Ministries of the Interior and Defence. This was also the case in the cowardly terrorist attack launched against a United States- Syria joint security patrol near the city of Tadmur (Palmyra), a couple of days ago. We express our sincere condolences to the families of the Syrian and United States soldiers who lost their lives and to the friendly people of the United States. We reiterate Syria’s commitment to fighting terrorism, in coordination with international partners, to maintain the security of our country, the region and the world at large. While the Syrian Government and the international community seek to achieve stability in the Middle East, Israel spares no effort to destabilize the region. While Syria is committed to and abides by the 1974 Agreement on Disengagement between Israeli and Syrian Forces, Israel does not cease to violate it. While Syria is respecting international law and Security Council resolutions, Israel is flouting them. While everyone is striving to establish peace in the Middle East, Israel risks pushing the region into wars and conflicts. While we are supporting the United Nations and the Blue Helmets, Israel is restricting them and preventing them from carrying out their mandate. While we are trying to reach a security agreement brokered by the United States, which is commendable and appreciated, Israel persists in filibustering. While we are seeking to save lives — all lives — Israel is committing massacres against Syrian civilians, the latest being the Bayt Jinn massacre, which led to the martyrdom of more than 13 civilians, including women and children. However, while Israel is trying to sow discord and division, Syrians, with all their diverse constituents, including the Druze, whom Israel falsely claims to protect, have come together to offer their condolences for the martyrs of the Bayt Jinn massacre committed by the Israel Defense Forces. Our blood as Syrians is one, and our destiny is one. What message is being conveyed to Syrians and the world when those who respect international law and pursue diplomacy are rewarded with bombing, incursions and repeated attacks and violations? How are we expected to answer the questions of the angered ordinary people of Syria when they ask how diplomacy and restraint have served us? Before I conclude, I would like to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to the delegations of Algeria, Slovenia, Guyana, Sierra Leone and the Republic of Korea for their valuable and responsible efforts during their tenure on the Security Council and for their sincere support for Syria and the Syrian people. In conclusion, we are on the cusp of a new year full of optimism, I would like to convey a message to Syrians and the world at large. To all Syrians, I say that we have achieved the impossible and have performed a miracle, so let us continue the story. To the world, I say stay with us as we write that story.

I thank the representative of the Syrian Arab Republic for the kind words addressed to the outgoing members of the Security Council. I now give the floor to the representative of Kuwait.

It is my honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of Arab States. I would also like to take this opportunity to extend our sincere congratulations and appreciation to the Republic of Slovenia on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for this month, commending its efforts in conducting the work of the Council. We also extend our thanks to the participants and briefers: Ms. Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs; Ms. Joyce Msuya, Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator; and Ms. Mariam Jalabi, co-Founder of the Syrian Women’s Political Movement. The Arab Group reiterates the importance of full respect for Syria’s sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity and reaffirms its categorical rejection of foreign interference in Syria’s internal affairs. In this regard, the Arab Group condemns in the strongest terms the repeated and unjustified Israeli attacks and violations on Syrian territory, including the recent Israeli incursion into Bayt Jinn in rural Damascus beyond the area of separation, which led to a horrific massacre targeting innocent civilians, resulting in the death of more than 13 civilian, including women and children, and injuring dozens of other civilians. The Arab Group also condemns the provocative tour of the Israeli Prime Minister and several ministers and officials of the occupation Government inside occupied Syrian territory. The Arab Group demands that Israel be compelled to withdraw immediately, completely and unconditionally from the areas it entered after 8 December 2024 and from the entire occupied Syrian Arab Golan, in implementation of resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973) and 497 (1981). We also refer here to what was stated in the Secretary-General’s report on the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force, issued two weeks ago: “As at 3 November, the Israel Defense Forces maintained and reinforced 10 positions that it had established on the Bravo side: 8 positions in the area of separation, including a temporary hospital, and 2 in the area of limitation on the Bravo side” (S/2025/784, para.5). Accordingly, the Arab Group demands that Israel implement and respect the 1974 Agreement on Disengagement between Israeli and Syrian Forces, given that the provisions of the Agreement adequately address all security considerations in this context and provide a consistent path to ensuring stability, which must be maintained and implemented without prejudice. Based on the foregoing, the Arab Group restresses that Syria’s sovereignty, security and stability are fundamental pillars of regional stability and security. We reject any infringement whatsoever and by whomsoever on these principles, the respect for which are a perquisite for achieving security and stability in the region and the world at large. We meet today after one full year of the fall of the Al-Assad regime — a year that was not merely a pivotal political juncture but a year that resonated deeply in the conscience of the Syrian people, who regained their voice and dignity after long years of pain and suffering. The Arab Group salutes the resilient Syrian people on the first anniversary of their liberation and recalls above all their patience, sacrifices and inextinguishable hopes, which proved that the will of the people cannot be defeated and that change, when based on the legitimate aspirations of the people, can truly lead to positive gains that preserve human dignity. We congratulate Syria and its people. The Arab Group commends the important national steps accomplished by the new Syrian Government this year, starting with the launch of the comprehensive National Dialogue Conference, the issuance of the constitutional declaration, the establishment of two national authorities for missing people and for transitional justice, the holding of parliamentary elections and the implementation of the Syrian- Jordanian-American road map to resolve the Suwayda’ crisis. This is in addition to the bold steps that contributed to combating drug networks, culminating in joining the international counter-Da’esh coalition and renewing the firm commitment to combating terrorism. We also appreciate the Syrian Government’s constructive engagement with the international community, including welcoming the Security Council mission earlier this month and the restoration of its standing in the region and the world. The Group again commends the Council’s adoption of resolution 2799 (2025), which delists His Excellency the President Ahmad Al-Sharaa and Minister of the Interior Anas Khattab from the sanctions list — a clear manifestation of the international community’s continued commitment to Syria. The Arab Group also welcomes the progress in creating the conditions conducive to the voluntary, safe and dignified return of refugees. In this regard, the Arab Group commends the significant role played by host countries in receiving Syrian refugees and calls on the international community to step up and broaden its support for host countries, which cannot continue to bear this burden alone until such time as the refugees return to their country. The Arab Group condemns the cowardly terrorist attack that targeted a joint Syrian-American patrol near the city of Palmyra in central Syria. The Group expresses its full support for Syria’s efforts to combat terrorism, secure its borders and combat arms and drugs smuggling. The Group also underscores the importance of supporting these efforts and strengthening cooperation in the context of supporting regional security and combating cross-border threats. The Arab Group appreciates the Syrian Government’s continued cooperation with the international community with the aim of addressing terrorist threats, eliminating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and eradicating its sources. The Arab Group reaffirms that Syria’s security and stability are an integral part of Arab and regional security, and that the preservation of Syria’s unity and national institutions is the real guarantor when it comes to averting regional instability and combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and a resurgence of terrorist groups. The Arab Group welcomes the end of the era of sanctions, which have long burdened the Syrian people. These developments include Canada’s lifting of sanctions imposed on Syria and the final repeal of the Caesar Act by the United States Congress a few days ago — a constructive and pivotal step that ushers in new prospects of recovery and stability for the Syrian people. We also express our appreciation to all the countries that stood by the Syrian people during their darkest hour, including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State of Qatar for their support for public sector employees in Syria. In this connection, we call on the international community, financial institutions and the business sector to seize this constructive moment in order to boost investment in Syria, as the Syrian economy now offers promising opportunities, which contribute to supporting reconstruction, empowering local communities and laying the foundations for lasting peace. In conclusion, the Arab Group affirms its unwavering commitment to standing by Syria and its brotherly people in their noble journey to build a secure, stable and prosperous State — one where justice, dignity, equality and the rule of law prevail and that protects the rights of all Syrians regardless of ethnicity, religion, sex or political affiliation. We stress that this journey requires concerted international efforts and the Council’s support for a future that meets the aspirations of all Syrians without discrimination.

I now give the floor to the representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

We thank Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo and Assistant Secretary General Msuya for their informative briefings. We listened to the views shared by Ms. Jalabi. We note the recent visit by a mission of the Security Council to Syria and Lebanon initiated by Algeria, Denmark and Slovenia and the report presented today. We hope this visit will lead to concrete and effective outcomes by the Council, especially to compel the Israeli regime to end its occupation and cease its unlawful actions immediately. Regarding the situation in Syria, I wish to make the following points. First, one year has passed since the establishment of the Syrian interim Government. Over the past year, important transitional steps have been taken by Damascus. At the same time, the Syrian people continue to face acute social, humanitarian, economic and security-related hardship. The continued operation of armed groups outside the control of the Syrian authorities, marked by arbitrary violence against civilians and violations of minority rights, remains deeply alarming and poses a serious threat to peace, stability and national cohesion. The tragic incidents witnessed over the past year in the coastal region and in Suwayda’ underscore the urgent need to restore full State authority, uphold the rule of law and prevent the exploitation of sectarian and communal divisions for violent ends. In this regard, we note the decision by the interim Syrian Government to establish national mechanisms to investigate the incidents in coastal areas and the crimes committed in Suwayda’ and to hold the perpetrators accountable. Secondly, the resurgence of terrorism remains a grave and immediate threat to Syria and the wider region. The emergence and growing operational capacity of Da’esh, including recent terrorist attacks, serve as a stark reminder of the persistent nature of this threat. Iran unequivocally condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and reiterates that counter-terrorism efforts must be comprehensive, non-selective and fully consistent with international law and respect for the sovereignty and territory of the Syrian Arab Republic. Thirdly, we take note of additional developments on the ground, including the return of more than 1 million refugees and nearly 2 million internally displaced persons to their homes, the easing of certain sanctions and improved humanitarian access. While these developments are encouraging, the situation remains fragile. Over the past year, the Israeli regime has intensified its unlawful use of force, expanded its military footprint and pursued policies aimed at consolidating and normalizing its occupation of Syrian land. We strongly condemn Israel’s unlawful incursion into the town of Bayt Jinn on 28 November, during which Israel’s terrorist forces killed 13 civilians, including women and children, injured dozens and forcibly displaced residents through deliberate and indiscriminate shelling of civilian homes. As mentioned in the letter dated 28 November from the Permanent Representative of the Syrian Arab Republic addressed to the Secretary-General and the President of the Security Council (S/2025/778), this criminal assault constitutes a grave war crime under international law. The assault and the resistance of local residents to Israeli aggression, with the support of the Syrian interim Government, underscore the inevitable and destabilizing consequences of prolonged occupation and repeated acts of aggression. Israel’s actions are neither defensive nor incidental. They are part of a deliberate strategy to entrench occupation, fragment Syria and weaken its national cohesion by exploiting ethnic and sectarian differences and promoting separatist agendas. Such conduct constitutes a direct threat to regional peace and security. The Council cannot remain passive in the face of these violations. Reaffirmations of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria are legally hollow and empty words if they are not accompanied by concrete measures to compel compliance by the Israeli occupying regime. Continued inaction, selective silence and the political shielding of Israel by a permanent member of the Council serve only to normalize and legitimize its occupation and acts of aggression and render the Council’s resolutions ineffective and unenforceable. Fourthly, from the outset of Syria’s political transition, the Islamic Republic of Iran has acted responsibly and consistently supported Syria’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity and the freely expressed will of its people. As a contiguous neighbour, Iran considers Syria’s stability and territorial integrity essential to regional peace and security. We firmly believe that addressing Syria’s challenges requires, first and foremost, an immediate end to Israeli aggression and occupation, effective and principled counter-terrorism efforts and continued efforts by the Syrian authorities to protect minority rights and advance a genuinely inclusive political process, enabling the meaningful participation of all components of Syrian society. Iran will continue to support a sovereign, stable and secure Syria and its integration into the international community.

I now give the floor to the representative of Türkiye.

We thank Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo, Assistant Secretary-General Msuya and Ms. Jalabi for their comprehensive briefings. It has now been more than a year since Syria embarked upon a historic and long- awaited process of transformation. The date 8 December 2024 stands out as a defining moment in this journey. During the anniversary, across cities and towns, Syrians filled the streets in scenes of peaceful celebration, reflecting a collective sense of hope, unity and renewed confidence in the future. These moments resonated far beyond Syria’s borders, symbolizing the enduring resilience of the Syrian people and their determination to reclaim peace, dignity and national cohesion, after years of profound suffering. Despite persistent and multilayered challenges, the Syrian Government has made notable and commendable progress during this period. Efforts to build inclusive governance structures that genuinely reflect Syria’s rich social, cultural and religious diversity merit sustained encouragement and international support. In this regard, it remains essential to foster unity among all segments of Syrian society, around the principle of equal citizenship as guaranteed by the Constitution. The recent meeting between President Al-Sharaa and representatives of the Alawite community from the coastal region is a welcome and meaningful step towards reconciliation, confidence- building and the strengthening of national cohesion. At the international level, the visit of the Security Council mission to Damascus on 4 December constituted a powerful and tangible demonstration of international solidarity with Syria at a critical juncture. We are further encouraged by the Syrian Government’s growing engagement with the United Nations and broader international community. We trust that, once appointed, the future Special Envoy of the Secretary- General for Syria will play a pivotal role in sustaining this positive momentum and in accompanying Syria along its path towards lasting stability. Notwithstanding these hopeful and encouraging developments, the overall risk environment remains high. The recent attack targeting Syrian and American forces during the joint patrol near Tadmur once again demonstrated that Da’esh continues to exploit every opportunity to regroup and carry out attacks. We condemn the attack and extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, as well as to Syria and the United States, our partners in the global coalition against Da’esh. This tragic incident underscores the urgent necessity of accelerating international support for Syria in building professional, united armed and security forces and in further strengthening its counter-terrorism capacities. Over the past year, the Syrian Government has pursued a measured responsible and peaceful foreign policy, taking sustained steps to restore Syria’s rightful and respected place within the international community. It has made significant efforts to establish constructive and good relations with all neighbouring and regional countries while consistently reaffirming that Syria poses no threat to its neighbours or to any other State. However, throughout 2025, Israel’s continued attacks and repeated violations have undermined the collective efforts of the Syrian Government and the international community, aimed at consolidating security and stability in the country. Stability in southern Syria must be ensured, in full accordance with the 1974 Agreement on Disengagement between Israeli and Syrian Forces. In this regard, we reiterate our call for Israel’s withdrawal from the buffer zone and from the areas it has occupied since last December. Respect for Syria’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity remains indispensable. We hope that in 2026 Israel will heed repeated international calls and engage constructively with Syria to create the conditions necessary for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace. Another serious destabilizing factor remains the presence of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party extensions in Syria. As we approach the end of the year, it is imperative that the 10 March agreement yield concrete and tangible results. Full restoration of the Syrian Government’s authority across the entire national territory is essential. Furthermore, the role of the Syrian Government in the process of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees assuming responsibility for the administration of camps and detention facilities in the north-east should be further strengthened, in line with Syria’s sovereignty and with international humanitarian standards. Türkiye will continue to act as a constructive partner for all those committed to supporting stability and security, reconciliation and sustainable economic recovery in Syria.

I now give the floor to the representative of Israel.

Let me be clear today. Israel will defend its people on every border, including our northern border. We will not allow terrorists, armed groups or foreign proxies to operate next to us. Israel will act to defend its Druze allies and to prevent ground, aerial or cross-border attacks launched from neighbouring areas. After 7 October 2023, there can be no confusion and no room for error. Israel will not allow Iran, Hizbullah, Hamas or any other terrorist group to build, rebuild or dig in along our borders. What was once tolerated before 7 October 2023 will not be tolerated again. Syria is responsible for what happens on its soil. What we are asking for is simple: the immediate creation of a demilitarized zone stretching from Damascus to the existing buffer area, including across Mount Hermon and its summit. This is the minimum needed to prevent escalation. Israel prefers stability. Israel prefers peace. But our security is not negotiable. Agreements are possible only if Israel’s basic security needs are fully respected. If they are not, Israel will act to defend itself. Ambassador Olabi called the Bayt Jinn incident a massacre. Allow me to share with Council members the facts. On 27 November, our forces carried out a targeted operation in the southern Syrian village of Bayt Jinn. The goal was clear, to stop terrorists from Jama’ah al-Islamiyah, the Lebanese branch of the Muslim Brotherhood, who were operating from Syria and planning attacks against Israeli civilians. The operation was a success. All suspects were arrested. Several terrorists were eliminated. This operation did not happen in isolation. There is growing proof that Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad are once again trying to build up in Syria, openly and without fear or consequence. Bayt Jinn has long been a centre for Hamas-linked terrorist activity. Earlier this year, on 3 June, two rockets were fired from Syria into the Golan Heights, on the Israeli side. Responsibility was claimed by a group calling themselves the Martyr Mohammed Deif Brigades. These attacks were not random. Hamas and the Lebanese branch of the Muslim Brotherhood work closely together. After 7 October 2023, they operated under a unified command structure in attacks against northern Israel. Ambassador Olabi must know that Israel will not allow Syria to become a safe place for terrorists. We have seen the cost of allowing Hizbullah to entrench itself in Lebanon. Israel will not repeat that mistake. The responsibility lies with the Syrian authorities to stop this activity. If they do not, Israel will.

The representative of the Syrian Arab Republic has asked for the floor to make a further statement. I now give him the floor.

The issue with the statement of Ambassador Danon is that the facts that he mentioned appear to be only coming from one source — not the United Nations, not the reports, not any Member State in this Chamber, not any of the intelligence agencies we work with on countering Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. They are facts that Israel has decided to use as excuses to be able to kill and detain Syrian civilians. We — and I announce this here — have given access to the United Nations, the United Nations commission of inquiry and the United Nations office in Syria to allow them to visit Bayt Jinn and the south, in fact, to be able to assess and look at the damage to the human rights of Syrians there. From day one, we have been absolutely clear: we are abiding by international law, we are upholding the 1974 Agreement on Disengagement between Israeli and Syrian Forces, and we are protecting the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force, not displacing it or making its job harder. The actions that Syria has taken speak much louder than any words echoed in the Chamber today by Ambassador Danon. We are not the ones making incursions into anyone’s territory; it is our territory that is being attacked and violated non-stop. Ambassador Danon made the appeal that it is Syria’s responsibility to be able to look after those areas and those borders. It is Syria and in fact the liberation of Syria that got rid of a lot of the threats to Syria and also posed a threat to Israel. I hope that that is not a disputed fact. But as for us being able to exert full control and full responsibility, it is actually Israel that is preventing us from accessing our territory and being able to exert control. These are two very contradicting statements: a demilitarized zone, and still we should manage our own security. I am not a magician, but I am not sure how that is supposed to happen. Syria will keep its door open. We are supportive of President Trump’s peace effort in the region. President Trump issued a tweet after the attack on Bayt Jinn that was unequivocal and very clear on the way forward. We are open to that. We heard the remarks of the Israeli Minister for Foreign Affairs last night on Arab television saying that Israel is open too. I guess the Security Council will see.

The representative of Israel has asked for the floor to make a further statement. I now give him the floor one last time.

Ambassador Olabi mentioned facts, so let us speak about facts. About a year ago, radicals took over United Nations Disengagement Observer Force bases, and it was the Israel Defense Forces that supported and saved the lives of the United Nations officials. The facts are that today there are radicals at the border. Those are the facts, and we will welcome the involvement of the Syrian Government in making sure that those elements will not reach the border. But once we see them coming to the border, we will act. I say to Ambassador Olabi that Israel is a peaceful nation. We have proved it. We have signed peace treaties with Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Bahrain. We want peace, but in order to have peace, the radicals have to be controlled.

The representative of the Syrian Arab Republic has asked for the floor to make a further statement. I now give him the floor for the very last time for a very brief comment.

I appreciate that we are running out of time. Again, to be able to exert control, one needs to be able to have access and be able to control and have one’s security forces there present. None of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force reports or the closed briefings that have been held here have talked about anything that Syria is breaching or doing wrong, but they talk very clearly about Israel. Ambassador Danon mentioned many States with which Israel has signed peace agreements, a lot of brotherly States to us. The one thing that we do not have in common with them is that they do not have occupied lands like we do, and they do not have Israeli incursions. Let us deal with those, and then, as we say in Arabic: (spoke in Arabic) We will deal with the rest in due course.