YouSaid · the spoken record

Pedersen

lines on the record: 597
first: 2012-10-15
most recent: 2023-12-21
sittings or episodes: 54
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

“On that there is nothing new to report, particularly on the Russian position regarding Geneva. Nevertheless, I continue my efforts in that regard, including reminding Government- nominated co-Chair Kuzbari in Damascus of the need to reply to my June letter on improving working methods, to which Syria Negotiations Committee-nominated co-Chair Al-Bahra has already responded. The fourth point I am focusing on is prioritizing work on the detained, the disappeared and the missing. In Damascus, I underlined the importance of sharing information on detainees and releases. I also stressed the need to safeguard detainees’ right to communication, as loved ones deserve to know if they are alive.”
2022-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9230 (2022) · source
“I understand that important progress has been made on all of the priorities of resolution 2642 (2022), namely, cross-border and cross-line access as well as the implementation of early-recovery projects. We should protect and build on that progress through the extension of the resolution, for the benefit of all Syrians. This is a core message to the Council today: please continue to support this framework; millions of Syrians depend on it. Please also be generous in responding to the United Nations humanitarian appeals. The third point I have stressed is the need to resume and make more substantive the Constitutional Committee meetings in Geneva. As I told the Council last month, the United Nations stands ready to resume Constitutional Committee meetings in Geneva as soon as readiness to do so from others exists.”
2022-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9230 (2022) · source
“We convened a ceasefire task force plenary meeting in Geneva last Friday to convey a common message to all key Member States with influence on the ground: to show restraint, to protect civilians, to restore calm, to work to consolidate that patchwork of agreements and arrangements into a nationwide ceasefire and to ensure a cooperative approach to countering Security Council- listed terrorist groups, in line with international law. The second action needed is to renew the framework in the Council on the humanitarian front. Unfettered humanitarian access to all Syrians in need throughout the country, by all modalities, remains imperative. As the Secretary-General has stressed, and as Mr. Griffiths will surely do after me today, cross-border aid continues to be indispensable.”
2022-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9230 (2022) · source
“But those fragile agreements and arrangements do not amount to a comprehensive nationwide ceasefire in line with resolution 2254 (2015). Violence continues, and the careful work to establish those agreements and arrangements could be undone in a moment, despite all players often acknowledging that there is no military solution and that the military phase of the conflict is over. Any escalation could reignite a conflict that in reality has not ended, endangering regional stability and creating conditions in which terrorism can thrive. Once again, it would be civilians who would pay the price.”
2022-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9230 (2022) · source
“When I briefed the Council last month (see S/PV.9204), I flagged a number of priorities that we need to focus on. I have been working on all of those priorities in my diplomatic engagements with the Syrian parties and with international stakeholders. The first priority is to step back from escalation and restore relative calm on the ground. Let me remind the Council that a patchwork of agreements and arrangements reached bilaterally between some key actors brought about a relative reduction in violence in recent years, notably between Russia and Türkiye for Idlib in 2020, and between Russia and Türkiye and Türkiye and the United States in 2019 for the north- east, as well as Russian-United States deconfliction.”
2022-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9230 (2022) · source
“We have seen reports of sporadic pro-Government airstrikes in the north-west, Turkish airstrikes in the north, and strikes in Damascus and the south-west attributed to Israel; shelling, rocket fire and intermittent clashes on contact lines, involving the full spectrum of actors — the Government, the armed opposition, the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Security Council-listed terrorist group Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham; continuing attacks by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) against all of those actors, in all quarters of Syria, with reports that ISIL’s leader was killed in southern Syria in October; and reports of tensions, continued protests and the use of force in Al-Sweida. We need to shift those worrisome dynamics.”
2022-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9230 (2022) · source
“In Damascus, there were tangible signs of a worsening crisis: dark streets, unlit houses and little traffic. Payments come in thick stacks of bills, as the Syrian pound depreciates to new record lows. This bleak humanitarian and economic picture is bad enough; add to it the continued armed conflict and the dangers of military escalation, and the potential for catastrophic deterioration is all too real. We have thankfully not seen further large-scale military operations by any one player this month. But the situation cannot be said to have improved in any way. The same dangerous dynamics exist, with impact on civilians. We have seen that the same dangerous dynamics exist with impacts on civilians.”
2022-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9230 (2022) · source
“Electricity and fuel, including heating oil, are scarcer than ever. Many are increasingly unable to access clean water and health care, or even to communicate with loved ones or colleagues, because of connectivity outages and failing infrastructure. I heard directly from United Nations colleagues that the needs of Syrians are rising just as resources are falling. Even those who would not normally need assistance — those who receive regular salaries, for instance — are in need, given the depreciation of the lira. No doubt, the situation will only get even more severe as the winter progresses. The Government has closed state agencies for several days as a result of energy shortages. Some civil servants are unable to travel to work because they lack fuel.”
2022-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9230 (2022) · source
“Mr. Pedersen: Two weeks ago, I visited Damascus to continue my discussion with the Syrian Government on advancing the political process to implement resolution 2254 (2015). As I did so, conditions on the ground were pointing in worrisome directions. Syrians are facing an ever-deepening humanitarian and economic crisis, inside and outside the country and in both Government-controlled areas and areas outside Government control, where the situation remains most dire, especially in camps for the displaced. We are dealing with a situation that is the result of more than a decade of war and conflict, corruption and mismanagement, the Lebanese financial crisis, the coronavirus disease, sanctions and the fallout from the war in Ukraine. United Nations assessments tell us that parents are skipping meals so their children can eat.”
2022-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9230 (2022) · source
“Through that approach, incremental progress would be achievable and would help create a dynamic and set us on the path to a more ambitious goal — a comprehensive political solution, in line with resolution 2254 (2015), that meets the legitimate aspirations of all Syrians and restores Syria’s sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity. The alternative is deeper suffering and more violence and instability. I appeal to all the parties to reject that path and find ways of cooperating on a more constructive way forward.”
2022-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9204 (2022) · source
“However, in my opinion, there is a clear way forward. The steps we must take in the weeks ahead are eminently possible. Let me highlight a few of them. We should step back from escalation and restore relative calm on the ground, renew the framework in the Security Council on the humanitarian front, resume and make more substantive the Constitutional Committee meetings in Geneva, prioritize work on the detained, disappeared and missing and deepen our work on identifying and implementing initial step-for- step confidence-building measures.”
2022-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9204 (2022) · source
“I have specifically appealed to the Government co-Chair of the Committee to respond constructively to ideas that were shared in June and discussed in various contexts with him in order to expedite the work of the Committee. As the terms of reference stated, we must work expeditiously and continuously to produce results and make steady progress. That is essential if the Syrian people are to see the Constitutional Committee as a credible process. I feel that we are at something of a fork in the road. I am troubled by the thought of a major military operation being resumed after three years of relative calm. I fear what that would mean for Syrian civilians and for wider regional security. I equally fear a scenario where the situation escalates, in part because today there are no serious efforts to resolve the conflict politically.”
2022-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9204 (2022) · source
“The Russian Federation raised issues about the venue of the Constitutional Committee meetings that were comprehensively addressed, and I thank the Swiss authorities for their receptivity. A further issue has now been raised that is not in Swiss hands. In any case, if the will exists to prioritize the importance of seeing the Syrians resume their work, I believe that there is a clear way forward that would enable the process to resume in Geneva. In Astana I appealed to the guarantors to support my call for the Constitutional Committee to meet in Geneva in January. If and when the Committee reconvenes, it will be important to ensure that there is some forward movement on the substance.”
2022-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9204 (2022) · source
“I look forward to further engagement with the Syrian Government on the issue when I visit Damascus next week, and of course to discussions on the full range of issues outlined in resolution 2254 (2015), as I will shortly also engage with the Syrian Negotiations Commission. In that regard, I am concerned that the Syrian Constitutional Committee has not met for six months, as it is the only process in which Syrians nominated by the Government, the opposition and civil society meet and discuss aspects of their common future. The longer it lies dormant, the harder it will be to resume, and the absence of a credible political process can only promote further conflict and instability.”
2022-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9204 (2022) · source
“In the light of the realities on the ground and in the political context, I will continue to work closely with all stakeholders on step-for-step confidence-building measures to help build trust and confidence among all players and advance resolution 2254 (2015). I can see many areas where stakeholders could take mutual, reciprocal and verifiable steps that would begin to address legitimate concerns and, most importantly, the needs of Syrian civilians by alleviating suffering and contributing to a safe, calm and neutral environment, which is an essential element of the political process. I appreciate the increased interest in that approach from many players, including the members of the Security Council, several of whom have deepened the dialogue with me in sketching out steps that they could take.”
2022-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9204 (2022) · source
“Resolution 2642 (2022) is enabling cross-border access while highlighting the need for enhanced cross-line access, as well as early recovery, and I understand that progress has indeed been made in that area. It is important that the Council continue supporting that framework, not least as we see a cholera crisis unfolding in Syria. We continue to engage the wider spectrum of Syrian stakeholders, among other things via the Syrian Women’s Advisory Board and Civil Society Support Room, while seeking active advice on implementing resolution 2254 (2015). As always, I appreciated meeting members of the Syrian Women’s Advisory Board when they met recently in Geneva and conveyed their concern about the fact that the political process seemed to be at an impasse.”
2022-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9204 (2022) · source
“I once again raised the issue of arbitrary detentions, forced disappearances and missing persons with all the key interlocutors whom I met in Astana last week, including senior representatives of the Syrian Government. Transparency, clear data and monitoring mechanisms remain core to the credibility of any release initiatives. My team also participated in the Astana Working Group on the Release of Detainees/ Abductees, Handover of Bodies and Identification of Missing Persons. We reiterated our call for more substantive and frequent engagement in that area if some measure of concrete progress is to be achieved. We continue to hold humanitarian task force meetings in Geneva and call for increased and unfettered humanitarian access to all people in need throughout Syria via all modalities.”
2022-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9204 (2022) · source
“Those needs have grown in recent years in lockstep with catastrophic economic conditions resulting from more than a decade of war and conflict, corruption, mismanagement, the Lebanese financial crisis, the coronavirus disease, sanctions and the war in Ukraine. Only this week we saw the Syrian pound reach record lows. It is clear that steps from both the Government and outsiders are needed to halt the economic crisis. Let me remind members that any humanitarian effects of sanctions that could exacerbate the plight of ordinary Syrians must be avoided and mitigated, particularly in terms of overcompliance. Let me also remind the Council that untold numbers of Syrians continue to see their human rights violated.”
2022-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9204 (2022) · source
“That was the message we have been relaying to members of the ceasefire task force in Geneva and that last week I brought to Astana, where I met with senior representatives of Iran, Russia and Türkiye, as well as Government and opposition representatives and representatives of Jordan, Iraq and Lebanon. I want to remind the Council that Syrian civilians continue to experience terrible suffering in myriad ways, beyond the effects of violent conflict. Members know that 6.8 million have been forced to flee and remain internally displaced. Another 6.8 million are refugees. Some 14.6 million Syrians need humanitarian assistance, and I am sure Mr. Griffiths will say more about that.”
2022-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9204 (2022) · source
“Such an escalation would not only compound the devastating harm already meted out to Syrian civilians, but it would also further endanger regional stability. And listed terrorist groups that are subdued but not defeated would immediately take advantage of any fresh instability. Let me therefore call loudly and clearly on all actors to restrain themselves and engage in serious efforts to reinstate the calm and move towards a nationwide ceasefire and a cooperative approach to counter terrorism in line with international humanitarian law. The protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure is absolutely essential. Syria needs less military activity and more focus on the political process and on the implementation of resolution 2254 (2015).”
2022-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9204 (2022) · source
“Dara’a, in the south, has seen a continuation of security incidents and tensions, as well as fresh military clashes between local factions and Syrian Government forces, amid a reported anti-Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant operation by former opposition fighters, as well as security incidents on the border, which Amman related to drug smuggling. The horrific rape and murder of two Egyptian girls reminds us that the situation in Al-Hol camp remains of grave concern. The trend lines are deeply worrisome and carry real dangers of further escalation. Let me warn the Security Council of the scenario where large-scale military operations by one actor then have knock- on effects across all other theatres, unravelling the strategic stalemate that has brought about a measure of relative calm for almost three years.”
2022-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9204 (2022) · source
“Idlib has seen very concerning incidents, including rounds of pro-Government air and ground- based strikes. Some of those hit camps for internally displaced persons, killing and injuring civilians, destroying tents and displacing hundreds of families, while others damaged health-care infrastructure. There were reported attacks by Security Council-listed group Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham on Government forces and Government-controlled areas, with civilian casualties. Strikes attributed to Israel hit Damascus, Homs, Hama and Latakia, prompting Syrian Government anti-aircraft fire in response. There were reports of airstrikes on the border between Syria and Iraq. The US said that rockets hit US-led coalition forces in Al-Shaddadi.”
2022-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9204 (2022) · source
“Turkish airstrikes immediately hit a large number of what they say were “YPG/PKK” targets across northern Syria and Iraq. The SDF and its affiliates say that some of those strikes hit civilian infrastructure and resulted in civilian casualties. There were also reports of SDF strikes on Turkish forces and armed opposition-controlled areas and inside of Turkish territory, with some reportedly hitting civilian infrastructure and resulting in civilian casualties. The Secretary-General has called for all parties to exercise maximum restraint and avoid escalation, whether in the air or on the ground. Let me stress that Türkiye, the armed opposition and the SDF should de-escalate now. That call for restraint and de-escalation is relevant for all other areas in Syria too.”
2022-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9204 (2022) · source
“Mr. Pedersen: In repeated briefings, I have warned of the dangers of military escalation in Syria. I am here in person today to tell the Security Council that escalatory dynamics are taking place, and that is worrisome and dangerous. For many months, we have seen a slow increase in mutual strikes between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), on one side, and Türkiye and armed opposition groups, on the other, across northern Syria and with violence spilling over into Turkish territory. On 20 November, a week after the terrible bombing in Istanbul, which Türkiye attributed to “the Kurdistan Workers’ Party/People’s Protection Units” (PKK/ YPG) — a claim that the SDF denied — Türkiye launched what it called the Claw-Sword Operation.”
2022-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9204 (2022) · source
“I appeal to all Council members for support for my efforts to create some movement among the Syrian parties and key stakeholders as we seek to advance the implementation of resolution 2254 (2015).”
2022-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9163 (2022) · source
“Such a solution must rest on Syria’s sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity, and it must enable the Syrian people to determine their own future via a process that culminates in free and fair elections administered under the United Nations supervision, with the participation of all eligible Syrians, including members of the diaspora. Such a political solution is the only path towards a sustainable peace. Sadly, we are currently a long way from that goal, and there are challenging diplomatic and ground realities that make advancing towards a comprehensive solution difficult. But the status quo should not be acceptable, and there are ways forward.”
2022-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9163 (2022) · source
“I have discussed the issue with senior Russian counterparts, our Swiss hosts, the Syrian Foreign Minister, the Syrian Government- nominated co-Chair of the Constitutional Committee in Damascus and the Syria National Council. Even if sessions were to resume in Geneva, that would not be sufficient to restore the credibility of the Committee in the eyes of most Syrians and international stakeholders. That is why I am seeking to work with the parties and the co-Chairs so that, when meetings reconvene, there will be the political will to engage in a spirit of compromise and at a faster pace, with better working methods and more substance. Let me recall that the Syrian-led and -owned political process is designed to reach a negotiated political solution to implement resolution 2254 (2015).”
2022-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9163 (2022) · source
“In order to serve that purpose, the initial steps must be precise, reciprocal, verifiable and implemented in parallel, and they must address the daily concerns of the Syrian people. The dialogue necessary to achieve that has deepened as a result of my most recent engagements, with some key stakeholders identifying concrete areas for potential steps and all engaging with heightened interest. Those discussions need to be further developed. I particularly look forward to further engagement with the Syrian Government in that area. I continue to work to unblock obstacles to reconvening the Constitutional Committee here in Geneva. Council members will recall that the Syrian Government nominees decided not to come to Geneva, pending the resolution of issues related to the venue cited by the Russian Federation.”
2022-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9163 (2022) · source
“I met with the Syrian Foreign Minister and the President of the Syrian National Council. I also met with the Foreign Ministers of Iran, Russia, Türkiye, Egypt and Jordan and other senior officials from the Arab world, the United States, Germany and other European countries. I will continue that engagement in the period ahead. I am pushing all stakeholders to engage in step- for-step confidence-building measures to help advance the implementation of resolution 2254 (2015). The key Syrian and international stakeholders need to rebuild their confidence that cooperation on Syria is indeed possible, that the other side is willing and able to deliver and that Syria can be firewalled from other conflicts. Such confidence can be built only through concrete actions.”
2022-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9163 (2022) · source
“We have deepened our engagement with victims, family associations and civil society organizations, which continue to lead the way and are voicing their priorities and pursuing solutions. Regrettably, we continue to receive reports of arbitrary arrests throughout the country. Meanwhile, six months after the presidential amnesty decree, there is nothing new to report. Despite our continued engagement, official information is not forthcoming, and independent monitoring has not been facilitated. In that context, and also more generally, families stress the concerns that arise from the lack of transparent communication and the resulting vulnerabilities and lack of confidence. In recent weeks, I engaged widely with diplomatic counterparts at the General Assembly in New York and in Washington, D.C., Berlin, Geneva, Damascus and Amman.”
2022-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9163 (2022) · source
“It is vital to ensure increased and unfettered humanitarian access to all people in need throughout Syria via the most direct routes, including cross-border and cross-line access. And the deeper causes of economic suffering in Syria need to be addressed, both by the Government and by outsiders. As my colleague from the Office for the Coordination for Humanitarian Affairs will brief the Council, the recent cholera outbreak is spreading rapidly. Cases have already spread to Lebanon, and other countries in the region have also expressed concern about the prospect. That was preventable and serves again as a reminder that we need to find a solution to alleviate the severe health and water conditions throughout Syria. My team and I continue to pay very close attention to the file on detained, disappeared and missing persons.”
2022-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9163 (2022) · source
“It is unacceptable that hostilities continue to result in civilian casualties, including many child casualties. We once again conveyed our concerns to key stakeholders in recent weeks and will continue to raise them with members of the ceasefire task force here in Geneva. Let me also stress the scale of the economic challenges in Syria and my concerns about Syrian humanitarian suffering and livelihoods. The Syrian pound has lost a tremendous amount of its value in recent weeks, which in turn has seen food and fuel prices jump to even higher record prices. Syrians are enduring the worst economic crisis since the war began, and it will only get worse this winter for the vast majority of them.”
2022-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9163 (2022) · source
“The south-west continues to see a string of security incidents every month, including ambushes, assassinations and attacks with improvised explosive devices. There was an unclaimed attack on a bus carrying Syrian Government soldiers in Damascus. Strikes attributed to Israel have hit targets in Syria, including once again Damascus and Aleppo international airports. I reiterate my call on all parties to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, preserve deconfliction channels and de-escalation agreements and build on them towards a full nationwide ceasefire. I also call on them to continue to find cooperative ways to counter Security Council-listed terrorist groups in a manner that fully respects international humanitarian law and preserves stability, as well as Syria’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.”
2022-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9163 (2022) · source
“There are now reports that they are withdrawing from Afrin following a ceasefire. Elsewhere, the listed terrorist group the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant remains a serious threat. Since the so-called caliphate fell, one of the largest weapons caches was recently discovered in north-east Syria, underlining the group’s continued capacity to stage attacks. Pro-Government air strikes were reported in north- west Syria, both in Idlib and also on the outskirts of Azaz, in areas where strikes had not been reported for a very long time. Violence in the north-east continues, with frequent reports of drone strikes, mutual shelling and confrontations between the Syrian Democratic Forces, on the one hand, and Türkiye and armed opposition groups, on the other. Strikes were reported in the vicinity of United States forces in Deir ez-Zor.”
2022-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9163 (2022) · source
“Recently, we launched a thematic group on issues related to local governance and decentralization. Another group of Syrian experts will start discussing issues related to protection needs. That engagement helps to build trust among Syrians and also provides us with advice on possible openings for the political process. Tragically, however, the political process has yet to deliver for the Syrian people, and they continue to suffer, not least from acute violence. Even as the strategic stalemate persists, the conflict remains very active across Syria. Let me mention a few examples. After infighting among armed opposition groups in recent weeks, Security Council-listed terrorist group Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham deployed fighters in Afrin and reached the outskirts of Azaz.”
2022-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9163 (2022) · source
“Deputy Special Envoy Rochdi and I will continue to engage and develop platforms such as the Syrian Women’s Advisory Board and the Civil Society Support Room to ensure women’s equal access to the political process. We continue to advocate for quotas in Syrian political bodies of at least 30 per cent, and we seek to create opportunities where issues of importance to women can be raised, including in the Constitutional Committee. I look forward to engaging with the Women’s Advisory Board again in Geneva next month. We also continue our regular dialogue with a wide range of Syrian civil society representatives — men and women — through the Civil Society Support Room. Syrian civil society is keen to put forward its knowledge, expertise, time and ideas to help Syria move towards a comprehensive political solution.”
2022-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9163 (2022) · source
“Women political and civic leaders struggle to secure their rightful seats at negotiating tables. Nonetheless, Syrian women are successfully heading households, assuming responsibilities in their communities and demanding full representation in political processes. They help guide the interventions of the international community in the humanitarian sphere. They advocate for the rights of the detained, abducted and missing. Many find ways to come together across divides and articulate an unrelenting demand for dignity for all Syrians. They embody a hope that a political settlement can bring about real peace and enable Syrian women to assume their rightful and hard- earned place in society.”
2022-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9163 (2022) · source
“Mr. Pedersen: I brief the Security Council after a busy period of diplomatic engagement, including a visit to Damascus. Before I update members on that, let me first thank all those Syrians, from inside and outside Syria, who continue to engage with us, especially Syrian women. In a few days, we will mark the twenty-second anniversary of resolution 1325 (2000). Over nearly 12 years of conflict, there is almost no indignity that Syria’s women and girls have not suffered: poverty and malnutrition; detention, disappearance and abduction; sexual assault and rape; forced and early marriages; violence of multiple kinds when bearing children; and the denial of education and livelihoods. Women civil society activists are too often targeted by violence when attempting to engage in public life.”
2022-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9163 (2022) · source
“But we have to be honest about the mismatch between the scale of our collective political efforts and that of the challenge at hand. The degree of fragmentation in Syria, the region and internationally, as well as a lack of trust and will, are preventing us from doing what needs to be done, which is addressing the conflict in a comprehensive manner with serious compromises and investment involving all players. I will continue to remind the Council that this is the only way to avoid another dangerous collapse. It is the only way to reunite and repair a fragmented country and people in order to genuinely restore Syria’s sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity, end the displacement crisis and enable the Syrian people to chart their own future.”
2022-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9117 (2022) · source
“The Civil Society Support room also continues its valuable work, with meetings planned soon for two new thematic working groups so that the spectrum of Syrian experts can make substantive contributions to the political process. We clearly face mounting challenges in implementing resolution 2254 (2015). I regret that we have not taken advantage of what has been more than two years of relative calm to advance the process further. We need relative calm to be restored and we need to work towards a nationwide ceasefire. We will continue to work intensely to resolve issues and resume the Constitutional Committee in Geneva and we will continue to look for opportunities for step-for-step confidence-building measures while paying special attention to the file of those detained, those abducted and those missing.”
2022-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9117 (2022) · source
“I would like to add a note on the critical issue of missing persons — an enduring source of suffering for tens of thousands of individuals from all over Syria who remain arbitrarily detained, abducted or forcibly disappeared. Their families have the right to know the fate and whereabouts of their loved ones. The Secretary- General will shortly release a study commissioned by the General Assembly that points a way forward by proposing pathways to fulfil the right of families to know the truth. I also want to inform the Council that we are convening the Women’s Advisory Board in Switzerland this week. Its members continue to present insightful analyses and remind us of the vital role that women play in preserving the resilience of Syrian society.”
2022-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9117 (2022) · source
“A series of step-for-step confidence-building measures could help unlock progress and build a safer, calmer and more neutral environment if done with precision and in a coordinated manner within the framework of the United Nations process. I have nothing new to report to the Council on the Syrian presidential amnesty decree of 30 April. I look forward to further engagement with the Syrian Government on that decree and on other areas for confidence-building measures that I have raised with it. I have continued to work with outside players to be ready to meet real steps with real steps. I appeal to the Syrian Government not to miss this opportunity to make progress via its own sovereign moves. That was also my message in Moscow to Mr. Lavrov, who took note of the initiative.”
2022-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9117 (2022) · source
“I also had direct communications from Iranian Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian, as well as interactions with senior officials from Türkiye. I appreciate their engagement and it is my hope that the Committee will soon be able to reconvene in Geneva. But let us be frank. The key challenge facing the Committee is not the delay but the lack of progress on substance. I reiterated my appeal to Mr. Lavrov and to the Foreign Ministers of Iran and Türkiye ahead of the Astana format summit held in Tehran on 19 July to support the co-Chairs in ensuring political will, a faster pace and better working methods. That is how the Committee could become credible, and how it could fulfil its mandate and open the door to a wider political process. We also need to move on the broader process on the many other aspects of resolution 2254 (2015).”
2022-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9117 (2022) · source
“Let me remind members that any humanitarian effects of sanctions that could exacerbate the plight of ordinary Syrians have to be avoided and mitigated, particularly in terms of overcompliance. We need a political process that moves steadily forward, and at the moment we do not have that. In closed consultations last month, I briefed the Council in detail on why plans for a ninth session of the small body of the Constitutional Committee are temporarily on hold. In Moscow last week, I met with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov, who assured me that Russia remains focused on Syria and expressed support for advancing the work of the Constitutional Committee. We agreed to continue discussions to resolve issues that are preventing the holding of a ninth session.”
2022-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9117 (2022) · source
“Of course, a ceasefire would also require parallel efforts to address the extensive presence of listed terrorist groups in a cooperative manner and in accordance with international law so as to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure. Meanwhile, the members of the International Syrian Support Group’s humanitarian task force here in Geneva were extensively briefed on Friday on the action needed to support humanitarian priorities on the ground. That is more relevant than ever, given that military escalation will only increase needs and inhibit humanitarian access. I should also note that the continued support of all members of the Council for the implementation of all aspects of resolution 2642 (2022) is important via all modalities, whether cross-border or cross-line, and with support for early recovery.”
2022-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9117 (2022) · source
“Moreover, listed terrorist groups continue to launch attacks on Government forces, the Syrian Democratic Forces and others. Those are just some of the recent incidents of particular note. I am concerned about the possibility that an escalatory cycle could see events further unravel, with civilians continuing to pay an already immense price. International peace and security will be at risk, given the international nature of many of the latest clashes. I have noted the various diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation. I hope that those various efforts can be united to restore calm across Syria with a view to achieving a nationwide ceasefire, something that we will underline to the International Syria Support Group’s ceasefire task force participants here in Geneva.”
2022-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9117 (2022) · source
“And on 22 August, there were reports of a round of pro-Government air strikes in Idlib, with ongoing mortar, rocket and artillery exchanges across front lines, causing an increase in civilian casualties. On 23 and 24 August, United States strikes targeted what the United States said were Iranian-backed groups and their infrastructure in Dayr Al-Zawr, in what it said was a response to two attacks on sites where United States forces are present in Al-Tanf and Dayr Al-Zawr. August saw further air strikes in Tartus, Damascus and Hama, which Syrian State media attributed to Israel and said hit several Syrian Government soldiers. Meanwhile, there was an escalation in the south- west, including tit-for-tat security incidents, a Syrian Government offensive in Tafas and infighting in As- Suwayda.”
2022-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9117 (2022) · source
“On 11 August, the Syrian Democratic Forces publicly acknowledged killing Turkish soldiers on the border, inside Turkish territory, stating that the strikes were in response to an escalation in Turkish drone and artillery strikes. Türkiye has reiterated its security concerns and made renewed statements threatening further military intervention inside Syria. Syrian State media said that the Government carried out strikes on Turkish and armed opposition sites inside Syria in response to what it said were Turkish strikes, on 16 August, that targeted and killed Syrian Government soldiers near Ayn Al-Arab. Strikes on Al-Hasakah on 18 August, caused civilian casualties, including women and children. On 19 August, strikes hit a crowded market in Al-Bab, causing significant civilian casualties, including women and children.”
2022-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9117 (2022) · source
“Mr. Pedersen: Let me start by informing the Security Council that Deputy Special Envoy Najat Rochdi joined my team this month and hit the ground running. I look forward to working closely with her. Since early 2020, I have stressed that the front lines have been frozen, and I have noted that this relative calm provided a window of opportunity to build a credible political process. However, that opportunity has so far not been seized, and I am worried that, in recent months, we have seen troubling signs of a military escalation along several axes. This month alone saw an increase in strikes attributed to a wide range of actors.”
2022-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9117 (2022) · source
“Today I have warned of the risks of further escalation, and I have urged everyone to find the unity and sense of purpose to contain those risks, support humanitarian objectives and promote concrete steps on the path to a settlement. My message is simple: do not forget Syria, find unity on Syria and help the Syrians begin to emerge from this tragic conflict.”
2022-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9083 (2022) · source