Urgent Call: Syria’s Interim Authorities Must Prioritize Civilian Safety

In a recent address at the United Nations Security Council, Iran’s Permanent Representative, Sa’eed Iravani, emphasized the urgent need for decisive actions by Syria’s interim authorities to ensure the safety of civilians, particularly in Latakia and Tartus. His speech highlighted critical issues affecting the country amidst ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises.

During the Security Council meeting focused on “The situation in the Middle East: (Syria)” on Tuesday, Iravani made several poignant remarks regarding the challenges facing Syria. Below is a summary of his key points:

1. Condemnation of Violence: Iravani strongly condemned the ongoing violence in Latakia and Tartus, which has escalated since March 6, resulting in significant civilian casualties, especially among the Alawite community. He called for immediate measures to end the violence, protect civilians, and ensure unhindered humanitarian access. Iravani stressed that all community rights must be safeguarded, and any efforts to displace minorities, particularly Alawites and Shiites, should cease immediately. He welcomed the Security Council’s presidential statement from March 14, which denounced the violence and called for an independent investigation into the atrocities.
2. Terrorism Concerns: The Iranian representative highlighted the pressing need to combat terrorism in Syria, particularly the threat posed by foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs). He echoed the Security Council’s call for the interim authorities to act decisively against this transnational threat, emphasizing that FTFs should be repatriated and held accountable to prevent further destabilization of the region. Iran reaffirmed its commitment to combating terrorism and cooperating with legitimate international partners to address this issue.
3. Israeli Violations: Iravani expressed deep concern over Israel’s continued violations of Syria’s sovereignty, citing recent airstrikes in Daraa that resulted in civilian casualties and heightened regional tensions. He labeled these actions as blatant violations of international law that exacerbate instability in the region. Furthermore, he pointed out that Israel’s occupation of the Golan Heights poses a significant barrier to peace. He urged the Security Council to take decisive action to halt these violations and compel Israel to withdraw from all occupied Syrian territories.
4. Humanitarian and Economic Challenges: The ongoing humanitarian and economic crises in Syria require urgent attention and reconstruction efforts. However, Iravani noted that U.S. and EU sanctions hinder recovery, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations. He welcomed the EU’s recent decision to suspend sanctions in the transport, energy, and banking sectors but called for a complete lifting of all illegal measures to facilitate Syria’s reconstruction and ensure the safe return of refugees.
5. Syrian Sovereignty: The future of Syria should be determined by the Syrian people, free from external interference. Iran advocates for the establishment of an inclusive government through free elections and a comprehensive national dialogue, ensuring fair representation for all communities. Iravani emphasized the importance of a Syrian-led political process, facilitated by the United Nations, and grounded in UN Security Council Resolution 2254, which outlines a roadmap for establishing a non-sectarian government.
6. Return to the OIC: Iravani welcomed Syria’s return to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) after a 13-year suspension, noting that this re-engagement allows Syria to reclaim its role as a significant member of the organization. Iran continues to support Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and aims to contribute positively to achieving lasting peace in the region.
7. Rejection of Baseless Accusations: In conclusion, Iravani categorically rejected the accusations made by the U.S. representative, which he described as attempts to distort the reality on the ground. He pointed out that for years, the U.S. has violated Syria’s sovereignty under the guise of counterterrorism, enabling terrorist groups and supporting Israel’s occupation. Iravani highlighted that the humanitarian crisis in Syria is a direct consequence of U.S. sanctions and its violations of human rights.

Iran’s commitment to fostering stability and security in Syria remains steadfast, as Iravani reiterated that Iran is not involved in actions that would destabilize the country or the broader region. His call to action at the UN Security Council underscores the urgent need for international cooperation and support to address the multifaceted crises facing Syria today.