YouSaid · the spoken record

Geir Pedersen

lines on the record: 181
first: 2020-03-30
most recent: 2021-05-26
sittings or episodes: 12
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“The pandemic will only add to humanitarian needs, which remain acute. Many Syrians face food insecurity, poverty and deprivation, particularly in the face of unprecedented economic collapse and socioeconomic strain. By way of example, food prices remain at the highest level ever recorded. The World Food Programme shows the price of a standard-reference food basket increased by over 250 per cent compared to last year. Some Syrians even struggled to access water. In the north- east, the supply from the Allouk water station was cut once again in August, before resuming after the constructive intervention of several Member States. I appeal once again for the Council’s support in securing both the necessary resources and humanitarian access for all those in need of relief, in accordance with international humanitarian law.”
2020-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/936 (2020) · source
“In the coming period, both the Syrian Women’s Advisory Board and our Syrian Civil Society Support Room will remain active on all aspects of the political process envisaged in resolution 2254 (2015). The COVID-19 pandemic is emerging as a major challenge for the Syrian people, who are acutely vulnerable after 10 years of conflict. As Under-Secretary- General Lowcock told the Council two days ago (see S/2020/915), reports from inside Syria continue to point to a much broader spread of COVID-19 than the number of confirmed cases suggests. In some areas, existing health-care facilities have been unable to absorb all suspected cases, particularly as health-care workers, already in short supply, are themselves struck with the virus. Syrian refugees, both inside and outside camps, remain at great risk as well.”
2020-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/936 (2020) · source
“We will be following up on those discussions. Let me also note that during the third session, I had the opportunity to consult with members of the Syrian Women’s Advisory Board. They provided useful ideas that conveyed their clear belief in the possibility of finding commonalities and the need to safeguard the rights of Syrian women. Like all Syrians, they wish to see concrete progress. In their view, that must happen in parallel to tangible improvements in the lives of Syrians, who have urgent economic and humanitarian needs, as well as security and health concerns. That is also the consistent message of a broad range of civil society actors with whom we engage.”
2020-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/936 (2020) · source
“I am continuing to urge that the Constitutional Committee proceed in line with those already agreed terms of reference. If we can finalize an agenda and move forward in that way, I remain hopeful that we can deepen this process with a fourth session soon, and a fifth and sixth in coming months, as the COVID-19 situation allows. Here, let me pause to thank the Swiss Federal and Geneva Cantonal authorities, the United Nations Office at Geneva and its medical services, and the Committee S/2020/936 members themselves, for their support in ensuring a COVID-safe third session, which will be a continuing priority for future sessions too. Yesterday, I invited the members of the middle 50 of the large body of the Constitutional Committee to a briefing on the work to date and to hear views and suggestions on the process.”
2020-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/936 (2020) · source
“It provides that delegations are to be nominated by the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic and the opposition Syrian Negotiation Commission, in addition to a middle third civil society delegation; the mandate is to prepare and draft a constitutional reform; the Committee may review and amend the 2012 constitution or draft a new constitution; the constitutional draft must embody the 12 living principles that emerged from the Geneva process and were approved in Sochi; the co-Chairs have a responsibility to promote the good functioning of the Committee, including facilitating and proposing an agenda and workplans that enable all issues to be considered and do not make the consideration of certain issues dependent on agreement on other issues; the Committee is to work continuously and expeditiously, without preconditions to produce results and ongoing progress without foreign interference, such as externally imposed timelines.”
2020-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/936 (2020) · source
“We need a proposed agenda if the Committee is to meet. I worked hard in Geneva and ever since to assist the co-Chairs to reach an agreement. The discussions are continuing on a compromise proposal. Given the realities of organizing meetings, we need to finalize the agenda without further delay if we are to meet in early October, as we had hoped. Beyond agreeing on an agenda in line with the terms of reference and core rules of procedure, it is important to remind ourselves of other features of this document.”
2020-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/936 (2020) · source
“Against the backdrop of those hard realities and the deep distrust among the Syrian parties, a faint but real ray of hope shone from Geneva in the last week of August, when, after a nine-month hiatus, we were able to convene the third session of the small body of Syria’s Constitutional Committee. The discussions within the Committee were mostly substantive and on the agreed agenda. The co-Chairs told me they sensed some common ground emerging on certain subjects. There were practical suggestions from members on how to identify such common ground and how to advance discussions. I was pleased with that outcome. That said, there were very real substantive differences, even at the quite general level of the discussions. Moreover, contrary to what I had hoped, the co- Chairs were not able to agree in Geneva on an agenda for the next session.”
2020-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/936 (2020) · source
“I begin today’s briefing by recalling, as I did last month (see S/2020/823), the deep suffering of the Syrian people, who, in this almost full decade of conflict, have experienced death, injury, displacement, destruction, detention, torture, terror, indignities, instability, de-development and destitution on a massive scale. They have seen the country they love devastated and are now grappling with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and economic collapse. The Syrian people, both those inside the country and the millions of refugees outside, desperately need that suffering to be eased and to see a path out of this conflict.”
2020-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/936 (2020) · source
“There are still other issues where there remains ample room for constructive diplomacy, such as sanctions and working towards Syria’s economic recovery and prosperity. But for now, for next week, let us focus on supporting the members of the Constitutional Committee in deepening their work and in building confidence in a political route out of the Syrian conflict.”
2020-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/823 (2020) · source
“I see ample scope for key international players to make a difference, working together and with Syrians step by step on a range of issues critical to realizing my mandate pursuant to resolution 2254 (2015): ensuring the release of detainees and abductees and clarifying the fate of missing persons; creating a safe, calm and neutral environment in which refugees can return safely, voluntarily and with dignity; reaching a final political settlement that meets the Syrian people’s legitimate aspirations, built around a new Constitution and inclusive, free and fair elections under United Nations supervision; and addressing the presence of the five foreign armies and fully restoring Syria’s sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity.”
2020-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/823 (2020) · source
“I hope that forthcoming opportunities for direct contacts among key players will enable them to deepen their conversations and bridge the often-significant gaps between their stated positions, as well as enable united support behind the United Nations effort.”
2020-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/823 (2020) · source
“Some of these developments remind us that many of the tensions and incidents taking place across Syria are international in scope, that Syria’s sovereignty remains compromised and that the presence of five foreign armies creates a serious risk of threats to international peace and security. This is one reason that the Constitutional Committee’s work can be a door opener, but it cannot in and of itself resolve the conflict. There is a real need for constructive diplomacy among key international players if all aspects of my mandate, as enshrined in resolution 2254 (2015), are to see progress.”
2020-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/823 (2020) · source
“This incident is another stark reminder of the need for a sustainable arrangement for the north-east that includes all actors and respects and ultimately restores Syria’s sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity, in line with resolution 2254 (2015). The south-west has seen recurring tensions, as well as protests and several violent incidents, some resulting in fatalities. Geopolitical tensions also remain acute. Earlier this month, Israel stated that it carried out air strikes on military targets, killing four men who Israel claims were planting explosives at the perimeter of the occupied Syrian Golan Heights. The Syrian Government stated that these missiles caused “material damage”.”
2020-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/823 (2020) · source
“The north-east has seen ongoing skirmishes and security incidents in and around Tall Abyad and Ras al-Ayn, resulting in civilian casualties, as well as protests in Deir ez-Zor, following the killing of prominent tribal figures there. Yesterday an IED targeted Russian forces in Deir ez-Zor, killing a Russian general and injuring two officers. Earlier this week, we also saw reports of an altercation between Syrian Government and United States forces. Syrian State media accused the United States of opening fire from the air and ground on a Syrian Government checkpoint, killing one soldier and injuring two others. The United States-led coalition says it had come under fire from individuals in the vicinity, responded in self-defence and denies that aircraft were used.”
2020-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/823 (2020) · source
“Subsequently, yesterday there was a brief uptick in pro-Government air strikes in northern Idlib. Throughout August we have heard of both sides reinforcing or even establishing new military positions along front lines. We urge Turkey and Russia in particular to contain all escalatory incidents and dynamics, restore calm and continue cooperation. And we call on all relevant actors to ensure that any actions taken to address Security Council-listed terrorist groups are effective, targeted and in line with international humanitarian law, while ensuring the protection of civilians. Meanwhile, attacks by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant continue to grow in frequency and impact.”
2020-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/823 (2020) · source
“And we need to sustain the waivers of sanctions that can undermine the country’s capacity to ensure access to food, essential health supplies and COVID-19 medical support in response to the pandemic. We also need a complete, immediate nationwide ceasefire, as called for in resolution 2254 (2015), to enable an all-out effort to combat the pandemic. In the north-west, the calm brought about by Russian and Turkish efforts largely continues to hold. But the last month has seen reports of sustained mutual rocket attacks, artillery strikes, ground clashes and sporadic air strikes, including reports of civilians being injured and killed in these incidents. Meanwhile, earlier this week, the Turkish Ministry of Defence stated that an improvised explosive device (IED) targeted a joint Russian-Turkish patrol, damaging a Turkish vehicle.”
2020-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/823 (2020) · source
“Therefore, as Under-Secretary-General Lowcock told the Security Council late last month (S/2020/758, annex I), the true number of cases is probably much higher, and the pandemic’s impact may be far more serious than these numbers suggest. We already see that all areas are experiencing significant shortages of medical and personal protective equipment and that there are concerns about the effect of COVID-19 on health workers. The United Nations family is leading preparedness and mitigation measures across the country, but the needs are immense and the resources are insufficient. We need the Council’s continued support, including in securing humanitarian access for all those in need of relief, in accordance with international humanitarian law.”
2020-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/823 (2020) · source
“It continues to draw attention to the spread of COVID-19 in already vulnerable communities, the economic suffering of Syrians and the urgent humanitarian needs of the most vulnerable in society —female-headed households, Syrian refugees and internally displaced persons and families struggling to cope with extreme poverty. Our concern for the impact of the pandemic on the Syrian people remains acute and is growing. As of 18 August, the total number of COVID-19 cases in Syria is 2,114, including 1,844 confirmed by the Ministry of Health in Government- held areas, 51 cases in north-west Syria, including the first cases in two internally displaced persons camps, and 219 in the north-east. Of course, overall testing capacity has increased but remains vastly insufficient.”
2020-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/823 (2020) · source
“Civil society interlocutors often tell us that they know a single meeting of the Constitutional Committee will not bring immediate changes on the ground. But substantial and serious engagement by all parties would give them hope that a meaningful process that could have a long-lasting and positive impact on the lives of the Syrian people is on the horizon. Frustration with the lack of progress on the political process has been continuously impressed upon me by members of the Women’s Advisory Board, who continue to meet virtually and whom I look forward to consulting with later this week and again next week during the Constitutional Committee meeting. The Advisory Board is also working to support the constitutional process and promote gender and women’s rights.”
2020-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/823 (2020) · source
“I therefore look forward to meeting them on arrival in Geneva and to their positive chairing of the next session. In the same spirit, I continue to encourage all Committee members to come to Geneva ready to engage in earnest in substantive talks on the basis of the agenda that the co-Chairs have agreed, without any preconditions. Consistent with prudent pandemic-related mitigation measures, I believe we should work together now to move this process forward in a business-like manner, with a series of regular meetings in the months ahead, including an agenda for the next meeting. This is important, because millions of Syrians continue to face immense suffering and do not have the luxury of waiting for a political breakthrough.”
2020-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/823 (2020) · source
“During and between sessions, I have been ready to support the co-Chairs and Committee members to help bridge differences by exercising my good offices, and I have sought to facilitate in a manner that ensures the Committee’s continuing credibility, balance and inclusivity, in accordance with my mandate and the agreement that brought the Committee to life. The forthcoming session has been made possible by the co-Chairs agreeing on an agenda that is “in line with the mandate, the Terms of Reference and Core Rules of Procedure of the Constitutional Committee, discussing the national foundations and principles.” I reiterate my appreciation to the co-Chairs for reaching this agreement. I recall the pragmatic and business-like way in which they chaired proceedings, particularly during the first session, when there was also an agreed agenda.”
2020-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/823 (2020) · source
“In addition, the agreement mandates the Committee, within the context of the United Nations-facilitated Geneva process, to “prepare and draft for popular approval a constitutional reform as a contribution to the political settlement in Syria and the implementation of resolution 2254 (2015).” This is a momentous task — to establish a foundational act, a social contract for Syrians after a decade of conflict and amid deep divisions and mistrust. Constitutions express the sovereignty of nations and set out fundamental rights; political, cultural, social and economic rights; the rule of law and good governance; the people’s relationship with their Government; how political representatives are elected and what their powers and responsibilities are.”
2020-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/823 (2020) · source
“That agreement reflects some key principles, including respect for the Charter of the United Nations, Security Council resolutions, Syria’s sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity, the Syrian-led and -owned nature of the process and the role of the United Nations as a facilitator. The agreement calls on the co-Chairs to promote gender mainstreaming in the work of the Constitutional Committee, which builds on the achievement of the representation of women at nearly 30 per cent. The agreement also recalls wider objectives: United Nations- supervised elections based on a new constitution, as envisaged in resolution 2254 (2015), and the need for a broader political process in order to implement resolution 2254 (2015).”
2020-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/823 (2020) · source
“We will of course be implementing strict health and safety protocols to mitigate risk. After a hiatus of nine months, due to differences over the agenda until March and then to COVID-19 restrictions, it is worth remembering that the Constitutional Committee meets on the basis of a Government and opposition agreement, which guides its work. We note that this was the first political agreement between the parties to begin to implement a key aspect of resolution 2254 (2015), which called for setting a schedule and process for drafting a new constitution.”
2020-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/823 (2020) · source
“We have been closely monitoring the spread of the virus in Syria, Geneva and indeed across the globe. We have also been following the health advice of our host country, Switzerland, whose generous support I deeply appreciate, and the guidance from the United Nations Office at Geneva, where the Committee meetings take place. In the light of all the information and expert advice available to us, barring any further developments in the coming days related to the pandemic, and with the agreement of the co-Chairs and the positive response of Committee members, we are planning to move ahead. We will remain in contact with the co-Chair nominated by the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic and the co-Chair nominated by the opposition Syrian Negotiations Commission, as well as members of the middle third, to make the necessary arrangements.”
2020-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/823 (2020) · source
“Let me take this opportunity to inform the Council, with deep sorrow, that, among the United Nations personnel injured in the explosion was Deputy Special Envoy Khawla Matar, who was on her way to Damascus as part of consultations to prepare the upcoming session of the Constitutional Committee. Fortunately, she is on the road to recovery. I am sure everyone will join me in extending to her our sincere good wishes for her full return to health and to the vigorous pursuit of our shared mission. Also as I brief the Council today, preparations are being made to convene the third session of the small body of the Syrian-owned and -led, United Nations- facilitated Constitutional Committee in Geneva on Monday, 24 August. Convening the small body is obviously challenging, given the global COVID-19 pandemic.”
2020-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/823 (2020) · source
“As I brief the Security Council today, I remain acutely conscious of the deep suffering of the Syrian people, who in this decade experienced death, injury, displacement, destruction, detention, torture, terror, indignities, instability, de-development and destitution on a massive scale, and who are now also grappling with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and economic collapse. It was with a heavy heart that I learned that many Syrians were among those killed or injured in the tragic explosion in Beirut. Many more Syrians in Lebanon have lost their livelihoods or been left homeless and hungry. The ramifications for Syria’s humanitarian and economic supply chains and revenue from transit trade will doubtless be significant, given the already collapsing Syrian economy.”
2020-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/823 (2020) · source
“That is why, guided by resolution 2254 (2015) and with the support of the key international players and the Council, I hope that we can chart a path forward step by step to end the Syrian people’s suffering and allow them to shape their future through the release of those detained and abducted; a nationwide ceasefire to end violent conflict; a safe, calm and neutral environment that enables the safe, voluntary and dignified return of refugees; and a final political settlement built around a new constitution and inclusive free and fair elections under United Nations supervision — one that meets the Syrian people’s legitimate aspirations, that fully restores Syria’s sovereignty, unity, independence, territorial integrity and economic prosperity.”
2020-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/743 (2020) · source
“I have been encouraged by the continuing dialogue between the Russian Federation and United States and will continue to engage them and all relevant countries on how to build a constructive Syria diplomacy that can support a Syrian- led and -owned political process facilitated by the United Nations. If that path is not taken, all the other paths would lead to further loss and suffering for everyone, inside and outside Syria. That cannot be in anyone’s interest.”
2020-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/743 (2020) · source
“Only through international dialogue can we begin to address many of the myriad challenges that Syria and Syrians face from humanitarian need, detention, displacement, violence and terror, to economic destitution and the violation of Syria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence. We continue to see starkly different views on the nature of these challenges; the debate on sanctions is just one example. There is no sign that this or any of these issues will be resolved by entrenched positioning and rhetoric, in the hope that the other side eventually caves in. Serious and consequential international diplomacy is needed, to bridge significant gaps, including through reciprocal measures. I believe that this is possible and that common interest exists for such a dialogue.”
2020-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/743 (2020) · source
“I hope that the Syrian parties can count on the support of the key international players with influence in ensuring the success of the upcoming session. In that regard, I appreciated the expressions of support from the Presidents of the Astana guarantor countries and the many countries who participated in the fourth Brussels Conference for reconvening and advancing the work of the Constitutional Committee and for the implementation of resolution 2254 (2015). I also hope that those key international players will work to unlock progress on the broader political process.”
2020-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/743 (2020) · source
“Let me here recall once again that all parties to the conflict remain bound by international humanitarian law, including the rules of distinction, proportionality and precautions in order to avoid civilian harm.We have now firmed up plans to convene the third session of the Syrian-led and -owned Constitutional Committee. Earlier this week, I was able to confirm with the co-Chair nominated by the Syrian Government and the co-Chair nominated by the Syrian opposition that we will begin in Geneva on 24 August, provided that travel conditions do not change. I was also able to inform middle third members of that as well. I have encouraged all to prepare for a productive session on the agenda and I hope that thereafter we will be able to proceed in subsequent sessions in a regular, business-like and substantive manner.”
2020-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/743 (2020) · source
“North-eastern Syria remains broadly stable, but has seen some concerning incidents — most notably, fatal car bombings around Tall Abyad and Ras Al-Ayn, a drone strike resulting in fatalities near the town of Ayn Al-Arab, another drone strike near Al-Darbasiyah and recurring disruptions to the Allouk water station. We appeal to all stakeholders there, local and international, to exercise restraint and uphold the existing arrangements, which have provided calm throughout this year. Meanwhile, the continuing activity of Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) remains a serious concern in southern, central and eastern Syria, with reported riots among ISIL detainees in Al-Hasakah.”
2020-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/743 (2020) · source
“I also note that the extremist Wa-Harid Al-Mu’minin Operations Room, which had launched cross-line attacks against the Syrian Government earlier this year, was forcibly dismantled by listed terrorist group Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham following sustained clashes between the two groups. Last week, we saw an attack on a joint patrol near Ariha, injuring Russian and Turkish soldiers. Subsequently, there was a brief uptick in pro-Government air strikes south of the M4 and shelling in north- west Syria, as well as air strikes on Al-Bab city near the Turkish border. I hope that Russia and Turkey can help contain the situation and sustain calm across north-western Syria.”
2020-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/743 (2020) · source
“In late June, we saw reports of clashes followed by further protests, assassinations and other security incidents. The Russian Federation has been working to help contain the situation. I have also been sending the same message. Meanwhile, underlying geopolitical tensions persist in the south- west, and I note fresh reports of Israeli air strikes across a broad range of targets in Syria. In the north-west, the calm brought about by Russian and Turkish efforts continues, largely, to hold. I note further progress in Russian-Turkish cooperation inside the de-escalation area, including the first joint patrols across the entire M4 route.”
2020-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/743 (2020) · source
“Let me also echo the Secretary-General’s appeal from earlier this year for the waiver of sanctions that can undermine the capacity of the country to ensure access to food, essential health supplies and COVID-19 medical support to respond to the pandemic. To end Syrians’ suffering, we must end the violent conflict through a nationwide ceasefire, in line with resolution 2254 (2015), as well as an effective, targeted, cooperative approach to Council-listed terrorist groups, in line with international humanitarian law. There has been some progress towards that goal. In recent months, we have seen relative calm throughout Syria, with no major escalation and front lines mostly frozen. But we continue to see flare ups of violence within and across those front lines, which gives us cause for concern. South-western Syria remains tense.”
2020-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/743 (2020) · source
“In addition, the geographical spread of the virus is increasing, penetrating more areas S/2020/743 outside of Damascus, including the first 22 cases in north-western Syria, as well as six cases in the north-east. Humanitarian access is ever more imperative. Echoing the Secretary-General, I want to call on all parties to the conflict to ensure humanitarian access to all people in need, in accordance with international humanitarian law. I take note of the Council’s decision to extend the United Nations cross-border mechanism in north- western Syria via the Bab Al-Hawa border crossing for 12 months.”
2020-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/743 (2020) · source
“Over the past month, Syria’s currency has regained some of its lost value, but still remains significantly depreciated relative to last year. In addition we see a downward spiral in almost every other measure. There is rampant inflation, rising unemployment, weakened demand, more businesses shutting down, increased food insecurity, with families skipping meals, and shortages of medicine. We also now see a rise in reported cases of COVID-19, exacerbating Syria’s economic malaise and further constraining the humanitarian response. Testing remains extremely limited, particularly in areas outside Government control. As of 22 July, the Syrian Ministry of Health had confirmed 561 cases — a relatively low figure, but still more than double the cases since my last briefing (see S/2020/551).”
2020-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/743 (2020) · source
“Consequently, I want to begin today with a loud and clear appeal for the Syrian Government and all other Syrian parties to unilaterally release detainees and abductees, and to take meaningful action on missing persons at a scale that is commensurate with the scope of this tragic issue. Without addressing it, true reconciliation, the healing of society’s wounds, credible justice and sustainable peace will remain elusive. Let us make the upcoming Eid Al-Adha an occasion that sees more Syrian families welcome their loved ones home. Of course, the tragedy of detainees, abductees and missing persons represents only a single layer of the humanitarian catastrophe that has engulfed Syria — the greatest of this century. Syrians are now being hit by yet another tsunami of suffering — economic collapse.”
2020-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/743 (2020) · source
“My Deputy and I have engaged directly with the parties, and our team also continues to participate in a working group together with Iran, Russia and Turkey, although it has not met now for many months due to coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Frankly, progress on this file has been vastly insufficient, to the frustration of many Syrians both inside and outside Syria. A great many Syrians remain detained, abducted or missing, and many families still desperately seek information on the fate of their loved ones. The lack of progress is a pity because this is a cause that we can all get behind. Let me remind the Council that a little over a year ago it unanimously adopted resolution 2474 (2019), on missing persons in armed conflict. It is unfortunate that today in Syria the scale of the problem remains unchanged.”
2020-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/743 (2020) · source
“I thank the Security Council for the opportunity to brief it on Syria and my efforts to facilitate the political process pursuant to resolution 2254 (2015). I am joining the meeting today from Geneva, where I look forward to reconvening the Constitutional Committee next month. I have placed the issue of detainees, abductees and missing persons at the heart of my efforts since I began my tenure. We regularly meet with the families of detained and missing persons, and their experiences have made a deep impression on me. This is a humanitarian and human rights issue that demands sustained and meaningful action, in line with international law. Moreover, meaningful action on this file, which touches all Syrian families, could also build significant confidence within society, as well as between the parties and international stakeholders.”
2020-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/743 (2020) · source
“What is required is the readiness of all to deal seriously with the realities of the conflict. Guided by resolution 2254 (2015), I will continue to work with the Syrian parties and all international stakeholders to facilitate a way forward that addresses all aspects and outcomes of the conflict, restores the sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity of Syria, ends the acute suffering of the Syrian people and enables them to shape their own future.”
2020-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/551 (2020) · source
“Humanitarian access remains imperative given not only the increasing suffering of the Syrian people, but also the fact that there is still a risk from the COVID-19 pandemic. Syria has now reported 183 cases in total. Meanwhile, I reiterate my appeal for the Syrian Government and all other Syrian parties to carry out large-scale and unilateral releases of detainees and abductees, especially women, children, the elderly and the sick, and for more meaningful actions on missing persons. The COVID-19 pandemic is still a risk, and it should serve as an extra impetus for such action, as it has in other countries. Syria is going through a time of great flux. Nobody involved in the conflict should presume that time is on their side. Nobody should be sure that there will be better openings down the road.”
2020-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/551 (2020) · source
“They need to be the subject of real discussion and diplomacy. Unlocking progress will need mutual and reciprocal steps, on the basis of clear understandings, by the Syrian parties and by international partners. I am convinced that there are common interests on which to build such a diplomacy, and there is a common stated commitment to advancing resolution 2254 (2015) and supporting the Syrian-led, Syrian-owned, United Nations-facilitated Geneva political process. At this critical time, let me also reiterate the Secretary-General’s emphasis on the importance of full, sustained and unimpeded humanitarian access, using all modalities, including scaled-up cross-line and cross-border access.”
2020-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/551 (2020) · source
“However, the realities facing the Syrian people obviously cannot be addressed solely by discussing the Constitution, and the Syrian parties will face great difficulties in resolving Syria’s problems without real diplomacy among the key international players with influence. After all, there are still five international armies operating across the country and active measures by many countries with respect to Syria. There are real and substantive differences among those international players, as there are among the Syrian parties. Indeed, we have seen the depth of these differences in debates regarding sanctions in recent weeks, and we continue to see it in competing assessments regarding the political will of different actors to work to resolve the conflict. These issues are not going to be resolved by positioning.”
2020-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/551 (2020) · source
“I continue to appeal for calm to be sustained in Idlib and elsewhere and for a nationwide ceasefire, in line with resolution 2254 (2015). I underscore the importance of addressing the challenge posed by listed terrorist groups through a cooperative, targeted and effective approach that safeguards stability, protects civilians and fully respects international humanitarian law. The same is true regarding efforts to prevent ISIL’s resurgence, whose attacks have continued in and around the central desert. I am ready to convene and facilitate a third session of the Syrian-led and Syrian-owned Constitutional Committee. Conscious that global travel restrictions remain in place, I am hopeful that a session in Geneva may be possible towards the end of August.”
2020-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/551 (2020) · source
“However, we have seen worrying signs: increased mutual shelling, reports of reinforcements on both sides, the first reported pro-Government air strikes in three months and reports of new civilian displacement. Last week, the extremist Wa-Harid Al-Mu’minin Operations Room launched another cross- line attack that resulted in the death of several Syrian soldiers. Two of its leaders were subsequently killed in a drone strike by the United States on 14 June. It and other small extremist factions have now formed a new operations room — a likely harbinger for future attacks. I have been assured by both Russia and Turkey that they are working to contain the situation and sustain the calm and I note there has been further progress in Russian-Turkish cooperation on the work of joint patrols on the ground.”
2020-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/551 (2020) · source
“Moreover, in Syria’s south-west, what was set to be a major violent confrontation, centred around the town of Tafas, has been averted for now with the assistance of Russian mediation. However, we are concerned that there have since been further security incidents and tensions that might result in a renewed escalation of violence. It is an area where there are broader geopolitical tensions that appear to be growing more acute. I further note that this month again saw reports of Israeli air strikes inside Syria. Southern Syria is also an area where Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) cells appear to remain active. Meanwhile, in the north-west, the calm brought about by Russia and Turkey is, by and large, holding.”
2020-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/551 (2020) · source
“They target individuals and entities affiliated with the Government and restrict activity in the financial, banking, oil and gas, and military sectors, as well as exports and multilateral lending to and investments in Syria. Further secondary sanctions by the United States, which have been foreshadowed since the passage of legislation six months ago, will begin entering into force as early as tomorrow and are aimed at deterring foreign business activity with the Syrian Government. Against that backdrop, we have seen some Syrians take peacefully to the streets in a few areas in recent weeks, such as Al-Suwayda, Dara and Idlib, protesting a range of grievances.”
2020-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/551 (2020) · source
“The decade-long conflict in Syria has wrought destruction on Syria’s people, its environment, its infrastructure and the very fabric of its society — the bonds of trust that underpin any economy. Syria’s economic governance has also been characterized by recurrent fiscal and monetary mismanagement and corruption. In recent months, new factors have joined those underlying structural problems, pushing the economy to the brink. The banking crisis in next-door Lebanon has had a significant impact. The repercussions all societies and economies have experienced from measures to combat the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic have also played their part. Another factor in this context is significant sanctions by the United States and the European Union.”
2020-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/551 (2020) · source