Syria is on a positive trajectory - EUROPE SAYS
Madam President,I would like to begin by thanking the Deputy Special Envoy, Mr. Claudio Cordone, as well as the Acting Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Mr. Indrika Ratwatte, for their. . .
Madam President,I would like to begin by thanking the Deputy Special Envoy, Mr. Claudio Cordone, as well as the Acting Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Mr. Indrika Ratwatte, for their briefings that illustrate the complexity of the situation: there is undeniable progress towards national reconciliation and reconstruction, but numerous obstacles along the way. Madam President,We are all mindful of the memorandum of understanding that has just been signed between the United States and Iran, as well as the crucial discussions that have just begun. In this context, France commends the restraint shown by the Syrian authorities on all external fronts. France encourages the rapprochement between Lebanon and Syria and calls for the continuation of security discussions between Israel and Syria. At the same time, France urges Israel to cease its incursions into Syrian territory, which undermine the efforts undertaken by the Syrian authorities. We stress that any attempt to exploit internal divisions risks further compromising regional stability. On the domestic front, Syria has made considerable efforts in recent months to ensure a successful transition:First, national reconciliation is entering a new phase with the start of trials against figures from the former regime. The developments referred to by the Deputy Special Envoy illustrate this: justice is a central issue for Syria’s transition and a legitimate demand of the Syrian people after more than a decade of conflict during which Bashar al-Assad’s regime committed the worst crimes against its own people. Several international mechanisms exist to support the Syrian authorities in this necessary quest for justice. France invites them to cooperate with these mechanisms. Next, the establishment of new political and military structures. This process is ongoing, aimed at building a stable, united, and sovereign country. The forthcoming formation of the People’s Assembly will be the first step toward a democratic and pluralistic system, reflecting the richness of Syria’s diversity. All components of Syrian society must be harmoniously integrated into these new institutions. France encourages all efforts to grant women their rights and their rightful place. France remains concerned about the crisis in Suwayda, which is hindering the country’s full reunification. France encourages the implementation of the agreement reached on January 29 between Damascus and the Syrian Democratic Forces, as well as the process of integrating the Northeastern provinces of Syria—in terms of security, military, economic, political, and administrative matters—into the rest of the country. The integration of security and military forces is necessary to ensure the country’s stability, combat all forms of illicit trafficking, and defeat the scourge of terrorism, which remains a daily threat in the country and throughout the region. The efforts of the Syrian authorities have also led to progress in dismantling the former chemical weapons program, with the recent discovery of chemical weapons thanks to cooperation with the OPCW. Third, it is urgent that the international community mobilize private and public funding to meet the immense needs for rebuilding the Syrian economy. Humanitarian action remains essential, particularly in the area of demining, which is a prerequisite for recovery and reconstruction. France is continuing its humanitarian support and stabilization efforts, particularly in the health sector. Each one of us has a role to play in reassuring investors, lifting the remaining sanctions, and encouraging the country’s socioeconomic development. The Syrian authorities aim to establish a business-friendly environment, particularly at the regulatory level. We must support them in this endeavour. Finally, France supports the relocation of the Special Envoy’s office to Damascus and its involvement in the next stages of the transition, with full respect for Syrian sovereignty. Madam President,We see it at every Council meeting: Syria is on a positive trajectory, gradually consolidating its unity, stability, and regional integration, but the challenges remain immense. The Syrian authorities need unwavering determination, and the support of the international community—starting with the support of this Council—to consolidate these gains and enable Syria to recover. Thank you.