UN Leader Urges Halt to Hostilities in Syria and Revival of Political Dialogue
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United Nations, December 6 (NationPress) - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged for immediate humanitarian access to all civilians in Syria and stressed the necessity of resuming the political dialogue to put an end to the ongoing violence.
During a press briefing, Guterres mentioned that he had recently conversed with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan regarding the latest developments in Syria.
In their discussion, he highlighted the critical need for immediate humanitarian assistance for all civilians in distress, as well as a return to the UN-facilitated political dialogue aimed at ending the violence, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
The UN chief also pointed out that all factions are required under international law to safeguard civilians.
This recent offensive was initiated against areas controlled by the Syrian government by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a group that has been sanctioned by the Security Council, along with a diverse array of other armed opposition factions.
"This has resulted in significant alterations in the frontlines. Tens of thousands of civilians are in peril in a region that is already engulfed in conflict," Guterres informed reporters.
He continued, "We are witnessing the harsh consequences of a persistent collective failure of past de-escalation efforts to yield a genuine nationwide ceasefire or a meaningful political process to enforce Security Council resolutions. This must change."
Guterres emphasized that after 14 years of conflict, it is imperative for all parties to engage earnestly with Geir Pedersen, the UN special envoy for Syria, to finally devise a new, inclusive, and comprehensive strategy to resolve this crisis, in accordance with Security Council resolution 2254.
"It is time for earnest dialogue," Guterres remarked, adding, "In other words, restoring Syria's sovereignty, unity, independence, and territorial integrity — and fulfilling the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian populace."
"It breaks my heart" to observe the worsening plight of Syrians, coupled with the escalating threats to regional and international security, he stated, urging all influential parties to contribute positively for the long-suffering people of Syria.
