First, the Council meeting today serves as a sobering reminder that Syria remains as dangerous as ever. We are deeply concerned about the potential for further escalation, particularly large-scale attacks by the regime or Russia against civilians.
Colleagues, we have seen the lengths the Assad regime will go to when challenged. Until Syria fully declares and destroys its chemical weapons, this Council should remain focused on this ongoing threat to peace and security of Syria, and to the international community.
We strongly urge de-escalation and call on parties to act in accordance with international humanitarian law. This includes measures to protect civilian lives and infrastructure such as health facilities and schools.
Further escalation will only lead to more displacement of vulnerable people, disrupted humanitarian aid access and ultimately, more suffering. Growing instability will only reduce prospects for recovery or for refugees to return home in a safe, dignified and voluntary manner.
Second, the humanitarian crisis in Syria, especially the northwest, was already dire before this latest escalation with 4.2 million requiring assistance.
Further conflict, alongside harsh winter conditions, will only exacerbate the suffering of those in need.
So we urge all actors to ensure continuous and uninterrupted humanitarian assistance and access across the whole of Syria.
Third, President, the current fighting is a stark reminder that the situation in Syria is not sustainable. A frozen conflict is not peace. Only a Syrian-led, Syrian-owned political solution will resolve the conflict and bring much needed security and stability for Syrians.
The Assad regime, along with its Russian and Iranian backers, has created the conditions for instability and the current escalation through its ongoing refusal to engage in the political process.
Whilst the trajectory of this escalation is uncertain, it is once again clear that, after thirteen years of conflict, no side has, or can decisively, win through force. The regime and all actors in Syria’s conflict, must support and engage constructively with negotiations, as called for in Resolution 2254.
