The UN Secretary-General said this in his statement on Sunday morning, amid news that rebel fighters had taken control of the capital Damascus and that President Bashar al-Assad had left the country.
Earlier, in the past few days, the Security Council-banned terrorist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and other armed groups in northwestern Syria suddenly launched a large-scale attack on the Syrian government-held city of Aleppo, Homs. , Hama and captured one city after another.
Secretary-General Guterres stressed that in these sensitive times, restraint must be exercised and violence avoided.
He noted that Syria has been burning in the heat of a brutal war for the past 14 years, but now the people of the country have a historic opportunity to move towards a stable and peaceful future.
The top UN official said much work remains to be done to revive Syrian institutions and bring about systemic political change.
Emphasis on inclusive measures
According to him, the future of Syria must be decided by the Syrian citizens themselves and the UN Special Envoy will continue to discuss the matter with all parties.
“The rights of all Syrian citizens must be protected, without discrimination.”
The Secretary General said that all embassies and consular premises must be fully secured and staff must be respected in accordance with international law.
“We need the support of the international community to ensure that any political transition process is inclusive and comprehensive and meets the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people.”
The UN chief said Syria’s sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity must be restored.
He said he respects those who have been victims of this violent conflict and stands with the Syrian people to move Syria forward on the path of justice, freedom, prosperity and reconciliation.
“This is the only path that leads Syria to sustainable peace.”