Thank you, Mr. President,

I also thank USG Fletcher, USG Frazier, and Deputy Special Envoy Mr. Cordone for their comprehensive briefings.

Mr. President,

As our region goes through a difficult period, peace and stability require close and sustained coordination among all stakeholders.

This is precisely what we pursue in the Syrian context. Efforts to shield Syria from the wider cycle of regional violence have, so far, been largely effective.

In this regard, we highly commend the Syrian Government for its efforts to keep the country away from regional escalation. These efforts deserve the recognition and the full support of the international community, in particular this Council.

Following the recent ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, it is essential that Israel also refrains from escalatory actions in Syria and rolls back its encroachment. Stability in southern Syria must be ensured in full compliance with the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement. We reiterate our call for Israel’s withdrawal from the buffer zone and from the areas it has occupied since 8 December.

Respect for Syria’s sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity remains indispensable.

Concerning the crisis in Lebanon, allow me also to underline our appreciation for the efforts of UNHCR, OCHA, WFP and other UN agencies, as well as their humanitarian partners on the ground since the beginning of the Israeli attacks. Their work to alleviate the suffering of Syrians and Lebanese in Lebanon, and of the hundreds of thousands who have crossed into Syria since the onset of these attacks, is vital. In the face of this serious test, UN agencies should continue to provide the necessary support to the Syrian Government.

Mr. President,

Syria’s path toward stability, security, and economic recovery must not be jeopardized.

The focus should be on the swift and uninterrupted implementation of the integration agreement, further steps toward an inclusive political process, and the advancement of full reconstruction.

Despite certain challenges, the implementation of the integration agreement is moving forward. The next step should be the dissolution of the so-called “SDF” and its affiliated structures. No military build-up or rhetoric targeting neighbouring countries should have a place in new Syria.

We will continue to closely follow the implementation of the agreement from the perspective of our national security concerns and our unwavering support for Syria’s unity and territorial integrity.

At the same time, bringing together all segments of Syrian society under an inclusive approach remains a key priority.

The convening of the People’s Assembly in the coming weeks, as announced by the Syrian authorities, could mark an important milestone in the political process. It may also pave the way for rapid progress, including through necessary updates to the legislative framework.

It goes without saying that the threat posed by DAESH must continue to be closely monitored. The Syrian Government, as the primary counterpart of the international community in countering this threat, should be supported in strengthening its counterterrorism capacity.

Mr. President,

Türkiye will remain a committed partner to Syria in its pursuit of stability, security, reconciliation and sustainable economic recovery.

I thank you.