UNITED NATIONS, Dec 10 (Alliance News): US and Russian diplomats announced on Monday that the UN Security Council members will work on a statement addressing Syria’s recent political shift following the capture of Damascus by rebel forces and the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad.
Russian UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said the council largely agreed on maintaining Syria’s territorial integrity, protecting civilians, and ensuring humanitarian aid reaches those in need.
“The council, I think, was more or less united on the need to preserve the territorial integrity and unity of Syria,” Nebenzia noted after the closed-door meeting.
Deputy US Ambassador Robert Wood confirmed that council members discussed these issues and shared that the council would issue a statement.
Wood, who represents the US presidency of the council for December, described the moment as pivotal for the Syrian people, emphasizing the importance of finding a governing authority that respects their rights and dignity.
Syria’s UN Ambassador Koussay Aldahhak told reporters that Syrian embassies would continue functioning and maintaining state institutions during the transition.
He highlighted that Syrian Foreign Minister Bassam Sabbagh, appointed by Assad, was still in Damascus and reaffirmed the mission’s commitment to serving the Syrian people.
“Syrians are looking forward to establishing a state of freedom, equality, rule of law, democracy, and we will join efforts to rebuild our country,” Aldahhak said.
The sudden turn of events in Syria caught many by surprise, including council members. Nebenzia emphasized the need to monitor the situation as it unfolds.
Russia, a key ally of Assad, has previously used its veto power over a dozen times to protect him at the council, often supported by China.
China’s UN Ambassador Fu Cong stressed that stabilization and an inclusive political process were essential, while ensuring the prevention of terrorist group resurgences.
The rebel offensive that led to Assad’s removal was spearheaded by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), formerly known as the Nusra Front, which had ties to al-Qaeda until 2016. HTS remains under UN sanctions, and discussions on removing it from the list have not taken place.
