Syria Risks Grave Division and Destruction, Security Council Hears
December 3, 2024
The Security Council met today to discuss the situation in Syria, with speakers warning that the country faces the risk of further division and destruction if the current conflict is not resolved.
UN Special Envoy’s Briefing
The meeting was briefed by the UN Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, who said that the conflict in the country has reached a “critical juncture.” He warned that “the risk of further division and destruction is real and growing.”
Pedersen said that the Syrian government had made no tangible progress towards implementing the provisions of the UN Security Council Resolution 2254, which calls for a ceasefire, humanitarian access, and a political settlement. He also expressed concern about the increasing number of ceasefire violations.
Statements by Council Members
The United States, France, and the United Kingdom all expressed support for Pedersen’s call for a political settlement and condemned the ongoing violence in Syria. They urged the Syrian government to engage in good faith with the United Nations and to work towards a negotiated solution to the conflict.
Russia, on the other hand, accused the United States and its allies of prolonging the conflict by supporting opposition groups and imposing sanctions on Syria. Russia’s Ambassador to the UN, Vassily Nebenzia, said that the international community should focus on supporting the Syrian government in its fight against terrorism.
China’s Position
China’s Ambassador to the UN, Zhang Jun, called for a balanced approach to the Syrian conflict, emphasizing the need for both political dialogue and countering terrorism. He said that China supports the efforts of the UN Special Envoy and calls for all parties to the conflict to engage in constructive dialogue.
Outcome of the Meeting
The Security Council did not adopt any formal resolution or statement after the meeting. However, several members of the Council expressed their support for the efforts of the UN Special Envoy and called for an end to the conflict in Syria.
Background
The Syrian civil war began in 2011 as a peaceful protest movement against the government of President Bashar al-Assad. The conflict has since escalated into a full-scale war, with multiple factions involved. The war has caused a humanitarian crisis, with millions of people displaced and in desperate need of food, water, and medical care.
The UN Security Council has repeatedly called for an end to the conflict and the implementation of Resolution 2254. However, the conflict continues to drag on, with no end in sight.
Syria risks grave division and destruction, Security Council hears
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