Concern over violence in various areas of Syria is expressed by Pakistan.
A senior Pakistani diplomat informed the UN Security Council on Wednesday that a “robust and cohesive national security framework” in Syria is essential for achieving the country’s long-term stability and averting external interference, while expressing concern over the ongoing violence in certain regions.
Ambassador Munir Akram stated, “Syria must not become a sanctuary for terrorism,” following a briefing to the 15-member Council by UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen and Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Joyce Msuya regarding the political and humanitarian circumstances in the Arab nation recovering from the al-Assad regime’s collapse last November.
“We anticipate that the new leadership will steer Syria towards peace, stability, and prosperity,” he stated.
Simultaneously, he underscored the necessity for vigilance about the presence of foreign fighters and organizations with established terrorist affiliations, asserting that any comeback of Al-Qaeda, D’aesh, and their associated forces must be thwarted.
“Ambassador Akram expressed concern regarding reports of the integration of foreign terrorist organizations within Syria’s governing framework,” he informed the delegates.
“No foreign combatants or armed groups, akin to those in North East Syria, should function beyond the State’s authority.”
During his briefing, Pedersen, the UN special envoy, recognized the assurances made by Syria’s interim president Ahmad Al-Sharaa but emphasized that Syrians nationwide anticipate concrete steps.
“All Syrians I encountered emphasized their desire for institutional appointments, a transitional government, a provisional legislative body, a national dialogue process, and any preparatory committees, all of which must be credible and inclusive,” he stated.
Pedersen cautioned that the precarious security environment persists in jeopardizing political advancement, referencing continuous conflicts in the northeast, which encompass daily confrontations, artillery exchanges, and airstrikes adversely affecting population and infrastructure.
A recent series of car bombings in residential zones has resulted in considerable casualties, he stated.
He expressed support for the preliminary discussions between caretaker authorities and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the northeast, urging the United States, Turkiye, and both regional and national stakeholders to collaborate on “authentic compromises” that foster peace and stability.
“It is imperative that all avenues remain accessible to guarantee the inclusion of all regions of Syria and all essential stakeholders in the political transition,” he stated.
Concerns over economic stability are escalating under sanctions, pervasive poverty, and abrupt reductions in humanitarian aid from donors.
Ambassador Akram, Pakistan’s permanent representative to the UN, stated that Israel’s ongoing military operations and its expressed intention to sustain an indefinite presence in the ‘Areas of Separation’ are clear violations of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement.
“These unlawful actions must be denounced, and Syria’s territorial integrity must be maintained, including through Israel’s withdrawal from the ‘Areas of Separation’ and the Occupied Golan Heights.”
He stated, “The humanitarian situation is critical,” highlighting that more than 16.5 million Syrians necessitate immediate relief, rendering this one of the most severe humanitarian catastrophes in recent history.
The Pakistani envoy stated that food insecurity, a deteriorating healthcare system, and a faltering education sector necessitate urgent international attention and assistance. He emphasized that humanitarian funding is significantly insufficient and called on the international community to enhance its efforts to address Syria’s pressing humanitarian need and facilitate long-term rehabilitation.
“Sanctions continue to impede Syria’s recovery,” he stated, advocating for their reconsideration and review.
A judicious and pragmatic strategy is required to tackle economic difficulties and the humanitarian situation.
Ambassador Akram said, “Achieving peace and stability in Syria necessitates a credible political transition, national unity, and an inclusive governance framework.”
The global community must maintain active and constructive involvement in supporting this process. Pakistan unequivocally supports the steadfast and resilient populace of Syria.