Syria’s new ‘fire of hope’ cannot be extinguished: Guterres
That is warning from the United Nations Secretary General António Guterres spoke to reporters in New York on Thursday morning. He said there was a “real risk that progress could break down” without an “inclusive, credible and peaceful” political transition led by Syrians, on behalf of all the people of this country.
“The Syrian people are facing a historic moment – and a moment of opportunity. That opportunity cannot be missed“, Mr. Guterres said, after five decades of brutal, dictatorial rule.
The United Nations stands with the Syrian people, recognizing that this is the change they have long sought to realize the peaceful movement for change that began with the passionate protests of 2011.
There are no guarantees
“But nothing is guaranteed,” he added, calling on all communities to fully integrate into a new Syria.
“The rights of women and girls must be fully respected. And this process must be guided by fundamental principles Security Council resolution 2254. We are focused on facilitating that process.”
Read our explanation here on the role of the Security Council and the diplomatic activities of the United Nations to date.
Meanwhile, the country remains mired in a humanitarian crisis as the United Nations and partners are mobilizing to assess needs and respond to “rapidly transitioning” conditions, he said.
“Adequate funding for humanitarian response and recovery is critical. And that funding isn’t there yet. And I make a strong appeal to the international community to show the generosity that the Syrian people deserve at this time – and to strongly support the humanitarian response..”
The disappearance
The UN chief also pledged to support those who continue to live with the pain and uncertainty of missing loved ones, and declared the appointment of Karla Quintana of Mexico, headed by the Authorized General Assembly Independent Institute for Missing Persons in Syria.
He called on all international mechanisms promoting the protection of human rights and accountability for the crimes of the Assad regime, to be provided with the necessary tools “to carry out their important work”. .
The task of documenting missing Syrians – believed to number more than 130,000 – is carried out primarily by three agencies at the United Nations:
Mr. Guterres noted that The conflict in Syria is far from overand civil protection must be given the highest priority. Fighting continues in the north with the ISIL/Dae’sh terrorist group remaining a “major threat”.
“Simultaneously, Widespread Israeli air strikes continue. This is a violation of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. They have to stop,” he continued.
In the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, the United Nations peacekeeping mission – UNDOF – continues to observe Israeli troops “at multiple locations within the separation zone and at one location within the restricted area . Let me be clear: There must be no military force in the demarcated area other than United Nations peacekeeping forces – Stage.”
A moment of hope and history
He called for the full restoration of Syria’s sovereignty, territorial reunification and an end to all fighting.
“This is a decisive moment – a moment of hope and history, but also a moment of great uncertainty.”, the UN head concluded.
“Some people will try to take advantage of the situation to achieve their narrow goals. But the international community has an obligation to stand with the Syrian people who have suffered so much.”
