Syria’s New ‘Flame of Hope’ Must Not Be Extinguished: Guterres
Damascus, Syria – December 19, 2024 – United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for sustained support to preserve the fragile “flame of hope” ignited by the recent political reconciliation and diplomatic breakthroughs in Syria.
Speaking during a visit to Damascus, Guterres hailed the recent signing of a ceasefire agreement and the release of political prisoners as signs of progress towards ending the country’s protracted conflict.
“After years of darkness and despair, a flicker of hope has emerged in Syria,” Guterres said. “We must fan this flame and ensure that it does not die out.”
The Secretary-General emphasized the need for international cooperation and a collective effort to support the Syrian people’s aspiration for peace. He urged all parties to the conflict to adhere to the ceasefire and engage in good faith negotiations.
“This is a critical moment for Syria,” Guterres added. “The flame of hope must not be extinguished by violence or division.”
The UN chief also called for increased humanitarian assistance to address the dire needs of the Syrian people, many of whom have been displaced or have lost loved ones during the conflict.
“We must not abandon the most vulnerable Syrians in this time of transition,” Guterres said. “Their resilience and determination should inspire us all to redouble our efforts for a better future for Syria.”
The Secretary-General’s visit to Syria came as part of a wider diplomatic mission to promote peace and stability in the Middle East region. He met with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and other senior officials to discuss the latest developments and reiterate the UN’s commitment to supporting Syria’s recovery.
The ceasefire agreement and the release of political prisoners were brokered through intensive mediation efforts by the United Nations, Turkey, and Russia. The UN Security Council has also unanimously adopted a resolution endorsing the ceasefire and calling for a political solution to the conflict.
Observers believe that the ceasefire, if implemented and sustained, could mark a turning point in Syria’s conflict. However, concerns remain about the potential for spoilers and the need for a comprehensive political process that addresses the root causes of the conflict.
The United Nations has pledged to continue its efforts to support the Syrian people in their pursuit of peace and stability. The organization is providing humanitarian assistance, facilitating political negotiations, and monitoring human rights compliance.
The international community has also pledged to support Syria’s recovery and reconstruction efforts once a lasting peace is achieved. The United Nations has estimated that the reconstruction process will require billions of dollars and will take years to complete.
The Syrian conflict, which began in 2011, has devastated the country and caused the displacement of millions of people. The war has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives, created a humanitarian crisis, and destabilized the wider region.
The recent peace initiatives offer a glimmer of hope for the Syrian people. However, the path to reconciliation and recovery will be long and challenging. Sustained international support and the commitment of all parties to the conflict will be crucial to ensure that the flame of hope does not flicker out.
Syria’s new ‘flame of hope’ must not be extinguished: Guterres
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