Members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) have pledged to draft a statement addressing the rapidly evolving situation in Syria, following the rebel capture of Damascus and the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad.
According to Reuters, during a closed-door meeting on Monday, council members expressed a shared commitment to Syria’s territorial integrity, the protection of civilians, and ensuring the flow of humanitarian aid.
Russian U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia emphasized the council’s consensus on preserving Syria’s unity and assisting its population amidst uncertainty. “The council, I think, was more or less united on the need to preserve the territorial integrity and unity of Syria,” Nebenzia stated.
Deputy U.S. Ambassador Robert Wood, presiding over the council for December, highlighted the significance of this moment for Syrians. “This is an incredible moment for the Syrian people,” Wood remarked, stressing the importance of establishing a governing authority that respects human rights.
The rapid developments over the weekend caught many by surprise. Both Nebenzia and Wood acknowledged the unexpected nature of the events, urging patience and careful observation as the situation evolves.
China’s U.N. Ambassador Fu Cong emphasized the need for stability and an inclusive political process, cautioning against a resurgence of terrorist forces.
We want to see the situation in #Syria stabilize as soon as possible, and we do hope an inclusive political process can be initiated as soon as possible. The factions and parties in Syria should take the interest of the people as their priority. pic.twitter.com/3Of2ni6FlX
— FU Cong 傅聪 (@ChinaAmbUN) December 10, 2024
Rebel forces poured into the capital overnight, just over a week after launching a campaign that swept through Syria’s biggest cities with minimal resistance. Assad fled to Moscow early on Sunday, where he and his family were granted asylum on “humanitarian grounds”.
The rebel offensive that led to Assad’s ouster was spearheaded by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group formerly affiliated with al Qaeda. HTS is currently sanctioned by the United Nations, and diplomats have indicated no immediate plans to reconsider its designation.
Syria’s U.N. Ambassador Koussay Aldahhak underscored the continued operation of state institutions during the transition period. He confirmed that Syrian embassies and the Foreign Ministry remain functional under existing leadership.
“We are with the Syrian people,” Aldahhak stated, vowing to support efforts to rebuild the country. “Syrians are looking forward to establishing a state of freedom, equality, rule of law, democracy.”
