UNSC briefing/consultations-Syria (political/humanitarian)

[14 September; 10:00 hrs]

Remarks by Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj

Permanent Representative of India to the UN

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I join others in thanking the new Deputy Special Envoy Ms. Najat Rochdi for her briefing and wish her all success for her new assignment. We also thank USG Martin Griffiths for his update on the humanitarian situation. 

2.    The stalemate in the political process has become unsustainable. The Small Body of the Constitutional Committee has not met since last May, and as evident from today’s briefing, uncertainty over the ninth round continues. While Special Envoy’s efforts, in engaging with all stakeholders are commendable, any positive impact on the political track is yet to be seen. The reasons are obvious.  

3.    External factors are impending the political process in Syria. The stakeholders have not shown any indication of flexibility or compromise. We hope all sides will engage constructively and purposefully with Special Envoy in his pursuit to facilitate the political process, in line with the resolution 2254. We continue to believe that his efforts, particularly his step-by-step approach, needs to be supported by the Council.

4.    We hope the regional players will continue to play an important role supplementing the efforts of Special Envoy. In this context, continuing normalization of Syria’s relations with its Arab neighbors, is a reassuring development. At the same time, we are concerned over acts of external players compromising Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. This cannot be conducive for the political process.

5.    On the security front, we remain concerned with the overall situation in Syria. There is an urgent need for serious attempts towards comprehensive nationwide ceasefire in Syria. We believe that withdrawal of all foreign forces is essential toward realizing this objective. 

6.    India has been consistently cautioning against the looming threat posed by resurgence of terrorist groups in Syria. UN designated terrorist groups such as ISIL and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham continue to gain in strength in Syria. The global fight against terrorism cannot and should not be compromised for narrow political gains. The credibility of the international community’s collective fight against terrorism can be strengthened only by ensuring accountability of terrorists and terrorist groups. 

7.    India continues to call for enhanced and effective humanitarian assistance to all Syrians throughout the country without discrimination, politicization and preconditions. While cross-border operations are predictable and important, they cannot be operating in perpetuity. Concrete steps need to be taken to address the hurdles that are obstructing the functioning of cross line operations.

8.     Humanitarian assistance cannot be a matter of political expediency. Linking humanitarian and developmental assistance with the progress in the political process will only exacerbate the humanitarian sufferings. Syria is undergoing acute fuel and power shortage. International community also needs to constructively look at promoting projects, which will bring much needed jobs and economic opportunities for the Syrian people. 

9.    In conclusion, let me underline India’s sustained commitment to extending developmental assistance and human resource development support to Syria. Our continued support to the people of Syria in their endeavor for seeking lasting peace and stability remains steadfast and unwavering.

I thank you. 

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