US, allies affirm support for Syria, tasks Israel, others to cease hostilities

Admin I Saturday, December 14, 2024

SYRIA – The United States and its allies, including the European Union and the UN Special Envoy for Syria have affirmed their support for Syria, the Syrian people and their democracy, urging Israel and other warring parties to cease hostilities.

In a joint statement released by the governments of the United States of America, the Arab Contact Group on Syria, Bahrain, France, Germany, Qatar, Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and the UN Special Envoy for Syria on the margins of the Aqaba Joint Contact Group ministerial meeting on Syria, affirmed the full support to the Syrian people at this critical point in their history to build a more hopeful, secure and peaceful future.

They expressed commitment to principles that they believe are in the best interests of the Syrian people, the region, and the world in this critical period.

They believed that the transitional political process must be Syrian-led and Syrian-owned; produce an inclusive, non-sectarian and representative government formed through a transparent process based on the principles of the United Nations Security Council resolution 2254; emphasize their support for the UN Special Envoy mandate; and request the UN Secretary General to scale up the UN’s presence on the ground.

They affirmed the full support for Syria’s unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty.

They stressed respect for human rights, including for women and minorities; preserve state institutions that serve the interests of, and provide critical services to, the Syrian people; exist in harmony with its neighbors; provide unfettered access for humanitarian aid and freedom of movement for IDPs and returnees; protect all foreign diplomatic facilities and personnel; secure and safely destroy chemical weapons stockpiles; and facilitate access to regime prisons and facilities for accountability and to determine the fate of missing Syrians and foreign nationals.

They affirmed the full support for Syria’s unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty.

They atressed that the period ahead will serve as a critical test of these above-mentioned principles.

Further, they emphasized the importance of adhering to these principles which will be fundamental in determining their approach going forward.

They underscored that Syria finally has the chance to end decades of isolation.

They emphasized their committment to supporting and working with the Syrian people as they embark on this unprecedented transition.

They stressed the importance of combating terrorism and extremism, including preventing the reemergence of all terrorist groups.

Further, they demanded that Syrian territory does not pose a threat to any country, or a shelter to terrorists.

They affirmed their demand to all parties to cease hostilities in Syria.

They demanded respect of the sovereignty of Syria and its unity, and territorial integrity, in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter by all.