Briefing reporters outside the Security Council chambers at UN headquarters on Thursday, Secretary-General Guterres said there was a serious and extremely worrying situation in Syria.
“I spoke with Turkish President Erdogan to discuss the latest situation.”
“I emphasize the need for immediate access to humanitarian assistance for all civilians in need and a return to the political process under the auspices of the United Nations to stop the bloodshed.”
The UN chief noted that it is the responsibility of all warring parties to ensure the protection of civilians in accordance with international law.
He said Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, an organization designated as a terrorist group by the Security Council, had recently launched attacks in areas controlled by the Syrian government. Along with him, many other armed groups are also participating in these attacks.
‘collective failure’
It has brought major changes to the front lines of the war and put thousands of civilian lives at risk in already war-torn areas.
The UN chief expressed his dismay that the current situation is the result of the failure of past conflict reduction mechanisms. Through these measures, efforts were made to implement Security Council resolutions, advance a serious political process, and achieve a nationwide ceasefire.
He said these systems have proven to be failures and now they need to be changed.
According to Secretary-General Guterres, it is time to seriously discuss all sides in the violent conflict that has raged for the past 14 years, including the Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen.
In line with Security Council Resolution 2254 (2015) it is important to adopt a new, inclusive and comprehensive approach to resolving the Syria crisis.
“It is time for serious dialogue. In other words, restoring Syria’s sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity and fulfilling the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people.”
The pain must end
The UN Secretary-General said Syria is a crossroads of civilizations, but it is sad to see it moving towards isolation.
The Secretary-General recalled his tenure as High Commissioner of the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), where he witnessed the immense generosity of the Syrian people, who opened their hearts and homes to the countless refugees who sought refuge there from Iraq.
“It is heartbreaking for me to see their suffering, as well as the growing threat to regional and international security.”
Secretary-General Guterres appealed to all sovereign nations to play their part in relieving the long-standing suffering of the Syrian people.