UN Security Council: “A3+” Group Emphasizes the Need to Respect Syria’s Sovereignty and Calls for a Comprehensive Ceasefire

New York (United Nations) – The “A3+” group within the UN Security Council affirmed today, Tuesday, in New York, the necessity of respecting Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, calling for a comprehensive ceasefire in the country.

This was stated in a speech delivered by Algeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Amar Bendjama, on behalf of the “A3+” group, which includes the three African countries with non-permanent membership on the Security Council (Algeria, Sierra Leone, and Mozambique), along with the Republic of Guyana from the Caribbean region, during an open Security Council session on the situation in Syria. He noted that the meeting is taking place in a unique context, as Syria has recently experienced a “fragile calm” that could lead the country into a renewed crisis that no one desires.

Mr. Bendjama expressed the “A3+” group’s conviction that “it is time to conduct a political process led by Syrians under the auspices of the United Nations to reach a ‘new Syria’ that unites all Syrians,” highlighting the necessity for all Syrians to fully participate in this political process.

The “A3+” group viewed the participation of civil society as “an essential element in ensuring a successful transitional phase in Syria in order to meet the aspirations of the Syrian people.” In this context, Mr. Benjamain reiterated the group’s full support for the efforts of the UN Special Envoy and their call for the genuine implementation of Resolution 2254, including the establishment of comprehensive transitional governing bodies with full executive authority.

The diplomat further stated on behalf of the group that they reaffirm their complete commitment to “Syria’s sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity, and firmly reject any attempt to divide the country.” He added that to make progress “away from violence, Syria must not be a battleground for external powers, and the Syrian people alone must determine the shape of their country’s future.”

On another note, the “A3+” group expressed deep concern over the recent military incursions by Zionist forces into Syrian territory, considering this a “serious” violation of international law and the UN Charter.

Here, they highlighted the essential role played by the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force in maintaining peace and stability in the region, rejecting any unilateral measures aimed at undermining its mandate and mission.

Regarding the humanitarian situation in Syria, they clarified that this represents one of the “urgent” challenges facing the international community, noting that approximately 17 million people are in need of assistance and that recent developments have exacerbated this situation, with over a million people displaced in recent days.

The group expressed “deep concern” regarding these developments and called for mobilizing efforts to allow humanitarian workers to respond to the urgent needs of the Syrian people. They warned that the ongoing fighting, particularly in northeastern Syria, will further deteriorate the humanitarian conditions, urging all parties to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law, including those related to protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure.

The “A3+” group called for an “immediate ceasefire across all Syrian territory to facilitate the movement of humanitarian workers,” stating that unhindered access to aid “must be ensured through all available mechanisms, including cross-border operations.”

On another note, the group emphasized that the return of Syrians to their homes “must be voluntary and safe and should not be forced,” calling for the necessity of creating conditions within Syria through early recovery and reconstruction to facilitate this process.

“The recent developments in Syria have shown that unresolved crises do not just fade away but resurface. Therefore, if we do not reach a comprehensive and inclusive solution to the situation in Syria, the consequences will be catastrophic for the region,” the group stated, concluding by affirming that the international community is responsible for standing by the Syrian people and assisting them in building a bright future for their country.

APS