Syria, France and UK outline positions at UN Security Council
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Syria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ibrahim Olabi, said on Tuesday that Syrian authorities were intercepting smuggled weapons while “Israel crosses the border with weapons,” during a UN Security Council session on the latest developments in Syria.
Olabi said Syria “will not be a corridor for illicit weapons, a battleground for settling regional scores, or a launchpad for threatening the security of countries and peoples in the region.”
He added that the “new Syria” had chosen a clear path with neighboring countries based on diplomacy and away from wars and crises.
Olabi also said Damascus had chosen diplomacy, restraint and to move forward with the US initiative, stressing that “dialogue does not mean accepting occupation, and diplomacy does not mean relinquishing rights.”
Turning to domestic affairs, Olabi said the newly formed People’s Assembly includes Syrian men and women from different governorates, communities and professional backgrounds.
He also described Suwayda as “at the heart of Syria,” saying protecting the dignity of its residents is a national duty and that legal proceedings to hold those responsible for violations committed in the governorate had begun.
During the same Security Council session, France’s representative said combating impunity was essential to achieving justice for all Syrians and stressed that extending state authority across all Syrian territory was important for ensuring stability.
The French representative also announced that France would provide 50 million euros in assistance.
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom’s representative described the formation of Syria’s new People’s Assembly as an important step toward reaching a political settlement in the country.
The British representative added that London would continue to work closely with the Syrian government in support of its efforts.