General Assembly Security Council

UNSC briefing/consultations-Syria (political/humanitarian)

[Thursday, 24 March 2022; 1000 hrs / 1930 hrs IST]

 

Thank you, Madam President,

 

I join others in thanking Special Envoy Geir O. Pedersen and Under Secretary General Martin Griffiths and ASG, League of Arab States Mr. Hossam Zaki for their updates.

 

2.​ A few days ago, we marked another tragic anniversary of the Syrian conflict. India has taken the consistent stand since the beginning of the conflict that imposing external solutions cannot help in the resolution of the conflict. It is for the Syrians to determine and decide what is best for Syria and their own future. The Special Envoy has been making efforts to bring all sides together and facilitate the political process in line with resolution 2254. We support his proactive diplomacy, particularly recent efforts to reinvigorate the UN led process.

 

3. ​Towards this end, we welcome the convening of the 7th session of the Small Body of the Constitutional Committee in Geneva earlier this week. We hope that the three sides will come to a preliminary understanding on the four principles, i.e., basics of governance, state identity, state symbols, and regulation and functions of public authorities.

 

4. ​India has also been consistent in calling for supporting regional efforts to find long-term solution to the conflict. The progressive normalization of Syria’s relations with its Arab neighbors in the recent months is an encouraging development.

 

5.​ On the security front, we remain concerned with the overall situation in Syria. While the frontlines remain unshifted, the violence has continued in several places, particularly in the Northwest and northeastern parts of the country. We continue to receive reports of shelling, skirmishes, and security incidents across frontlines, including increasing incidents of ceasefire violations. There is an urgent need for serious efforts towards a comprehensive ceasefire in Syria. Towards this end, we believe withdrawal of foreign forces is essential to realize the objective.

 

6.​ India has also been repeatedly calling for attention to the looming threat posed by resurgence of terrorist groups in Syria. UN designated terrorist groups such as ISIL and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, are gaining in strength not just in Syria, but in Iraq as well. We reiterate that global fight against terrorism cannot and should not be compromised for narrow political gains.

 

7.​ As the conflict in Syria enters its twelfth year, the basic needs of the Syrian people continue to be unmet. While the focus of the international community is shifting to humanitarian crisis arising out of conflict in Ukraine, it is important we don’t lose sight of Syria and suffering of Syrian people.

Madam President,

 

8.​ There is considerable scope for expanding crossline operations in the north west. We continue to encourage OCHA and other UN agencies to expend efforts to enhance cross-line operations.

 

9.​ We also continue to believe that it is critical to achieve progress on implementation of resolution 2585, concerning early recovery and infrastructure, not only on humanitarian grounds, but also in the context of building trust and confidence. The support of the international community to address the economic and humanitarian challenges remains integral to the success of the political process.

 

10.​ On our part, India has continued to extend developmental assistance and human resource development support to Syria. We welcome Syria joining the International Solar Alliance last month. India will continue to support the people of Syria in their endeavor for peace, stability, and economic recovery.

 

I thank you.

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