Guterres calls for equal role for all Syrians in transition
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said on Sunday that every Syrian should feel like an equal partner in shaping the country’s future, reaffirming the UN’s commitment to supporting Syria’s transitional process, which he said is moving in the right direction with international backing.
Speaking at a press conference in Damascus at the conclusion of his visit to Syria, Guterres stressed that transitional justice is underway and that accountability must be ensured for all crimes committed over the past years. He said the United Nations would remain “a steadfast partner of the Syrian people throughout this journey.”
Guterres said UN humanitarian assistance currently meets only about 20 percent of the Syrian people’s needs, describing the level of support as insufficient. Despite the country’s challenges, he said Syria remains “a pillar of stability in the region.”
He added that the atrocities witnessed in Syria had not broken the determination of Syrians to achieve their legitimate aspirations, saying the country is now shaping its own future based on its experiences, wisdom, and the hopes of its people.
The UN chief also referred to his visit to Sednaya Prison, saying it revealed “the scale of horror” following the killing and torture of tens of thousands of people.
Concluding the press conference, Guterres said violations of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are unacceptable and called on Israel to abide by the 1974 Disengagement Agreement.