Calls at UN for Damascus–SDF cooperation

The U.S. Mission to the United Nations, during a briefing to the Security Council on the Syrian file, affirmed that Washington has initiated steps toward restoring normal diplomatic relations with the Syrian government. The United States expressed its aspiration to attract new investments to aid in rebuilding the Syrian economy, noting that “the Syrian government's recent actions have raised our expectations for what lies ahead.”

Addressing the Council, the U.S. representative stated that President Donald Trump “lifted sanctions on Syria for the sake of the Syrian people,” and urged the Syrian government to pursue a peace agreement with Israel, expel foreign fighters, and disband the leadership of Palestinian factions operating within Syria.

He also underscored the necessity of coordination between the Syrian government and the SDF on securing ISIS detention centers, called for the destruction of Syria’s chemical weapons stockpiles to “bolster security for Syrians."

The UK representative voiced his country’s “optimism” regarding the evolving situation in Syria, called on Israel to respect Syrian sovereignty, and expressed London’s readiness to support the Syrian government toward achieving a prosperous future.

The French envoy confirmed that “Paris welcomed Mr. Ahmad al-Sharaa as a gesture of support for Syria,” underscoring the European Union’s solidarity with the Syrian people since 2011, and urging the international community to assist Syria and put an end to Israeli violations.

UN Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, described the emerging agreement between the SDF and the transitional government as a “historic opportunity.” He reiterated his call for international support for Syria during the transitional phase, the need to counter incitement, and to preserve social cohesion and internal unity.

Pedersen welcomed the lifting of Western sanctions, stating that “the current developments present the Syrian people with a historic opportunity,” and emphasized the need for comprehensive economic reforms backed by the international community.

In his address, Pedersen said Syrians are looking forward to a comprehensive political settlement that ensures stability and prosperity, stressing the importance of limiting arms to state institutions and ending sectarian incitement. He concluded that “the Syrian people are beginning to feel hopeful following the lifting of sanctions,” which increases the likelihood of a successful Syrian transition.

For its part, Russia reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Syria’s unity and respecting the choices of its people, denounced Israeli violations, and highlighted progress in the return of refugees.

The Danish representative expressed her country’s full support through the United Nations and welcomed the contributions of the Gulf Cooperation Council, stating that lifting sanctions “will likely lead to a positive transformation in Syria.”

Meanwhile, the Greek Foreign Minister declared that “the fall of the Assad regime has ignited hope among Syrians,” and announced Greece’s readiness to contribute to Syria’s reconstruction, emphasizing the need for the government to pursue an inclusive path forward.

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ANHA