Statement by Ambassador Kate Foster, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Syria.
President, last week marked a significant step forward in Syria’s compliance with its international obligations, with the IAEA closure of Syria’s longstanding safeguards file by consensus.
After fifteen years of obstruction by the Assad regime, this decision is an important symbol of Syria’s commitment to meeting its international obligations.
And we also commend Syria’s constructive engagement with the OPCW.
The United Kingdom stands ready to support the complete and verified destruction of Assad-era chemical weapons and the full implementation of Syria’s obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention.
Lasting stability will not be delivered, though, by security arrangements alone.
It must be underpinned by reconciliation, accountability, and protection for all communities.
We remain concerned by reports of ongoing violence in Northeast Syria.
And we continue to support a unified and inclusive Syria and encourage all parties to exercise restraint, avoid inflammatory rhetoric, and work together to resolve outstanding issues related to the implementation of the integration agreement.
Ultimately, ensuring that all Syrians feel secure, represented, and protected are an essential part of Syria’s journey towards long-term stability and recovery.
To support the recovery plans of the Syrian government and the needs of the displaced and vulnerable populations, the United Kingdom will contribute $90 million this year.
President, Syria’s recovery remains fragile.
Israel’s actions risk increasing tensions at an already sensitive moment, including Prime Minister Netanyahu’s recent visit to the summit of Mount Hermon in the UN Area of Separation.
We continue to urge all parties to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could lead to further escalation.
And call on Israel to set out a timeline for withdrawal from recently occupied Syrian territory.
Dialogue remains the only sustainable path forward.
We encourage continued engagement between Syria and Israel and welcome efforts to resolve differences through negotiation rather than confrontation.
Respect for Syria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence remains essential to securing long-term stability.
The United Kingdom remains committed to supporting efforts to ensure that Syria emerges from decades of conflict as a stable, sovereign, and inclusive state.