US Statement on the Situation in Syria at the UN Security Council Briefing
U.S. Calls for De-escalation in Syria Amidst Rebel Offensive and Humanitarian Crisis
New York, NY – The United States expressed deep concern over the escalating violence in Syria, urging all parties to cease hostilities and protect civilians amidst a recent rebel offensive lead by the U.S.-designated terrorist organization, Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).
Ambassador Robert Wood, the U.S.representative to the united Nations, delivered a strong statement during a Security Council meeting on December 3, 2024, highlighting the complex and volatile situation unfolding in the war-torn nation.
“We have seen actors in Syria try and take advantage of the recent distractions and weaknesses of the Syrian governmentS backers – Iran, Russia, and Hizballah,” Ambassador Wood stated. He emphasized that the Assad regime’s refusal to engage in the political process outlined in Resolution 2254 and its reliance on foreign support created the conditions for the current crisis.
While acknowledging the U.S.had no involvement in the rebel offensive, Ambassador Wood expressed concern over HTS’s leading role. “We obviously have concerns about this group,” he said, reiterating the U.S. commitment to combating terrorism.
the Ambassador stressed the U.S. commitment to protecting its personnel and military positions in northeast Syria, which are crucial to preventing the resurgence of ISIS.
Humanitarian Crisis and Calls for Accountability
Ambassador Wood underscored the urgent need for humanitarian access to all those affected by the fighting, urging the protection of civilians, including minority groups, and civilian infrastructure.
He commended the UN and NGOs for their efforts in providing aid and called for strong support for their work, particularly in assisting internally displaced persons fleeing the conflict.
The Ambassador also highlighted the plight of wrongfully detained political prisoners released from prisons in southern Aleppo, urging all parties to cooperate with the Independent Institution on Missing Persons in Syria to ascertain their fate and whereabouts.
Condemnation of assad Regime’s Actions
Ambassador Wood condemned the Assad regime and its Russian backers for attacks on schools and hospitals in Idlib and Aleppo, resulting in civilian casualties. He called on the Security Council to demand an end to these brutal aerial attacks and for all parties to adhere to international law.
He also reiterated the U.S. demand that the Assad regime refrain from using chemical weapons, a tactic it has employed over 50 times during the conflict.
Path to Peace
Ambassador Wood concluded by emphasizing that lasting peace in Syria can onyl be achieved through a political settlement that gives all Syrians a voice in their country’s future. He urged the Assad regime to engage in meaningful negotiations and called on Russia to stop blocking UN-mediated talks.
“Recent events serve as a stark reminder that Syria will never be at peace until Assad accepts a settlement that gives all Syrians a voice in the country’s future,” he stated.
The U.S. remains committed to working with its partners to de-escalate tensions and support the full implementation of UN Security Council resolutions aimed at bringing peace and stability to Syria and protecting its civilians.
U.S.Calls for De-escalation in Syria, Expresses Concern Over Rebel Offensive
New York, NY – Teh United States has voiced deep concern over the escalating violence in syria, urging all parties to cease hostilities and protect civilians amid a recent rebel offensive lead by the U.S.-designated terrorist organization, Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).
Speaking during a United Nations Security council meeting on December 3, 2024, U.S. Ambassador Robert Wood highlighted the complex and volatile situation in the war-torn nation.
Ambassador Wood attributed the current crisis to the Assad regime’s refusal to engage in the political process outlined in Resolution 2254 and its dependence on foreign support. He expressed concern over HTS’s leading role in the offensive, reaffirming the U.S. commitment to combating terrorism. While acknowledging the U.S. had no involvement in the offensive, Ambassador Wood stressed the U.S. commitment to protecting its personnel and military positions in northeast Syria,crucial to preventing ISIS resurgence.
Amplifying the urgency for humanitarian access, Ambassador Wood urged the protection of civilians, including minority groups, and civilian infrastructure.He commended the UN and NGOs for their aid efforts and called for strong support for their work,especially in assisting internally displaced persons.
Ambassador Wood also denounced the Assad regime and its Russian backers for attacks on schools and hospitals in Idlib and Aleppo, resulting in civilian casualties. He demanded a halt to these aerial attacks and called for adherence to international law by all parties.He reiterated the U.S. demand that the Assad regime refrain from using chemical weapons, a tactic employed over 50 times during the conflict.
Concluding his statement,Ambassador Wood emphasized that lasting peace in Syria can onyl be achieved through a political settlement inclusive of all Syrians. He urged the Assad regime to engage in meaningful negotiations and called on Russia to cease blocking UN-mediated talks.
The U.S. remains committed to working with its partners to de-escalate tensions and support the full implementation of UN Security Council resolutions aimed at bringing peace and stability to Syria and protecting its civilians.