António Guterres organized an outside watch Security Council room to address the “serious and dramatic developments” taking place.
“I just spoke with President Erdoğan of Türkiye to discuss the latest issue,” he said. speak.
“I emphasize the urgent need for immediate humanitarian access for all civilians in need – and return to the United Nations-supported political process to end the bloodshed. All parties have an obligation under international law to protect civilians.”
‘Chronic collective failure’
Mr. Guterres said this latest attack was launched into Government-controlled areas by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham – considered a terrorist group by the Council along with a series of other armed opposition groups.
It has led to significant changes on the front lines and tens of thousands of civilians are at risk in areas that have caught fire.
“We are witnessing the bitter fruits of the chronic collective failure of previous de-escalation agreements to create a real nationwide ceasefire or a serious political process to implement Security Council resolutions,” he said, adding “these things must change.”
The Secretary-General declared that after 14 years of conflict, it is time for all parties to seriously cooperate with his Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, to finally chart a new, comprehensive and comprehensively to address the crisis accordingly Security Council Resolution 2254 (2015).
“It’s time for serious dialogue,” he said.
“In other words, restore Syria’s sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity – while meeting the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people.”
End suffering
He noted that Syria is the crossroads of civilization and it is heartbreaking to witness the country’s increasing fragmentation.
Mr. Guterres recalled his long tenure as United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, where he witnessed the immense generosity of the Syrian people, who opened their hearts and homes theirs to countless refugees from Iraq.
“It pains me to see their suffering increasing – along with threats to regional security and indeed international security,” he said.
“I once again call on all those with influence to do their part for the suffering people in Syria.”
