Latest news with #Syrian-led
Scoop
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
At Arab League Summit, Guterres Reiterates Call For Gaza Ceasefire
17 May 2025 António Guterres told leaders meeting in the Iraqi capital that 'the region and the world face trials and tests on all fronts,' starting with the situation in Gaza. He reiterated that neither the atrocious 7 October 2023 terror attacks by Hamas nor the collective punishment of the Palestinian people can be justified. Permanent ceasefire now 'We need a permanent ceasefire, now. The unconditional release of all hostages, now. And the free flow of humanitarian aid ending the blockade, now,' he said. The Secretary-General expressed alarm over reports that Israel plans to expand ground operations in Gaza and stressed that the UN 'will not participate in any so-called aid operation that does not adhere to international law and the humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, independence and neutrality.' He again called for full support for UN Palestine refugee agency UNRWA, including funding. Two-State solution at risk The UN chief rejected the repeated displacement of the Gaza population, as well as any suggestion of forced displacement outside Gaza, and urged leaders to remain focused on the terrible situation in the occupied West Bank. 'Let's be clear,' he said. 'Annexation is illegal. Settlements are illegal. Only a two-State solution can deliver sustainable peace.' He said the high-level conference in June, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, is an important opportunity. 'The world, the region – and, most of all, the people of Palestine and Israel – cannot afford to watch the two-State solution disappear before our eyes,' he said. Respect Lebanese sovereignty The Secretary-General addressed the situation in Lebanon. He emphasized that the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected, and the Government must have full control over the entire territory. He was encouraged by continued progress on reforms as well as efforts to deploy the Lebanese Armed Forces to the south, with support from the UN Mission in the country, UNIFIL. Mr. Guterres touched on Syria, saying sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity are critical. He urged strong support for an inclusive Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process that safeguards the rights and participation of all the country's people and ensures their protection. Regarding Yemen, he noted that attacks by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea have caused significant damage to regional and local economies. He welcomed the cessation of hostilities between the Houthis and the United States, announced by Oman on 6 May. The Secretary-General also called for the release of UN staff and other personnel in Yemen who have been arbitrarily arrested. Engagement on Sudan In Sudan, renewed and coordinated multilateral engagement is crucial to help stem appalling violence, famine, and mass displacement, he said, and thanked the Arab League and African Union (AU) for the excellent coordination meeting convened the previous day. He also commended the Arab League's efforts to strengthen multilateral coordination. The Secretary-General turned next to Somalia, saying unity and inclusive dialogue are imperative. Furthermore, assistance from Somalia's partners will be essential in the fight against Al-Shabaab militants and to strengthen peace and security. For this reason, Mr. Guterres said he has put forward a recommendation to the UN Security Council to enable predictable and sustainable financing for the AU Support and Stabilization Mission in the country. Meanwhile in Libya, the UN is also actively engaging in efforts to end the confrontation between armed groups, to preserve the independence of key oversight institutions, to address obstacles preventing national elections, and set the course for long-term stability and prosperity in line with the people's needs and aspirations. Lessons from Baghdad The Secretary-General concluded his remarks by commending the progress Iraq has made over since the restoration of sovereignty in 2004, such as strengthening institutions, resolving outstanding disputes through dialogue, and promoting sustainable development as well as human rights. He said the UN Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) has accompanied the country on this path and is working to ensure the successful delivery of its residual mandate and an orderly drawdown by the end of the year. 'Despite the enormous challenges, let us draw lessons and hope from here in Baghdad. Working in unity and solidarity, we can help resolve conflicts and build a future of peace and prosperity," he said. Gaza situation 'beyond inhumane' Speaking later to reporters, Mr. Guterres said the situation for Palestinians in Gaza 'is beyond description, beyond atrocious and beyond inhumane.' Since 2 March, Israel has banned the entry of cargo into the Strip, including aid and other life-saving supplies. UN agencies continue to warn that the entire population, 2.1 million people, is at risk of famine and one if five faces starvation. 'A policy of siege and starvation makes a mockery of international law,' he said, calling for the blockade to end immediately.
Daily Tribune
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
From Gaza to Iraq: UN Outlines Vision for Peace and Stability in the Arab World
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres addressed the League of Arab States with a powerful call for peace, unity, and a renewed commitment to multilateral cooperation amid a wave of regional crises. Speaking from Baghdad, Guterres emphasized the need to deepen the UN's strategic partnership with the Arab League in facing complex challenges across the Middle East and North Africa. The Secretary-General began with a firm condemnation of both the October 7 attacks by Hamas and the ongoing collective punishment of Palestinians in Gaza. He urged immediate global action: 'We need a permanent ceasefire now, the unconditional release of all hostages now, and the free flow of humanitarian aid, now.' He expressed deep concern over Israel's plans to expand ground operations and warned that the UN would not engage in any aid operations that violate international law or humanitarian principles. Guterres also reiterated strong support for UNRWA, calling for urgent financial backing to sustain its operations. Highlighting the dire situation in the occupied West Bank, Guterres declared that 'annexation is illegal, settlements are illegal,' and reiterated that only a two-state solution—with Israel and Palestine living side-by-side in peace, with Jerusalem as the capital of both states—can secure lasting peace. He praised the upcoming high-level conference co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia in June as a vital opportunity to keep that vision alive. Beyond Palestine, the Secretary-General addressed other flashpoints: Lebanon: He reaffirmed the importance of implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and welcomed Lebanon's pledge to assert state control over all weapons within its territory. Syria: He called for a Syrian-led political process based on Resolution 2254 to ensure a peaceful and democratic future. Yemen: Guterres welcomed Oman's recent mediation efforts between the U.S. and the Houthis and urged a halt to violence and a return to Yemeni-led negotiations. Sudan: He stressed the urgent need for coordinated multilateral engagement to stop violence, famine, and displacement, applauding the collaboration between the Arab League and African Union. Somalia: Guterres underlined the importance of inclusive dialogue and proposed predictable financing for the African Union's mission to support Somalia's security. Libya: He noted efforts to resolve internal confrontations, protect institutions, and prepare for national elections as part of the broader goal of stability. Turning to Iraq, Guterres praised the country's progress since regaining sovereignty in 2004 and emphasized continued UN support through to the end of the current mission's mandate in December 2025. 'We remain committed to helping Iraq achieve a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous future,' he said. Concluding his remarks, the Secretary-General struck a hopeful tone: 'Despite the enormous challenges, let us draw lessons and hope from Baghdad. Working in unity and solidarity, we can help resolve conflicts and build a future of peace and prosperity.' The speech underscored the UN's unwavering commitment to diplomatic engagement, peacebuilding, and strengthening collaboration with the League of Arab States in shaping a stable future for the region.
Al Etihad
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Al Etihad
Baghdad Summit: Guterres calls for end to war in Gaza, respect for sovereignty of Syria, Lebanon
17 May 2025 18:15 BAGHDAD (WAM)António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, stressed the need for a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the unconditional release of all hostages and the free flow of humanitarian aid ending the blockade, now."Nothing justifies the collective punishment of the Palestinian people. We reject the repeated displacement of the Gaza population – and we obviously reject any question of forced displacement outside of Gaza. We must also stay focused on the terrible situation in the occupied West Bank, said Guterres in his remarks at the 34th Arab Summit in Baghdad."Only a two-State solution can deliver sustainable peace," he Lebanon, he said Security Council resolution 1701 is unequivocal: sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon must be respected, and the Government of Lebanon must have control over all Lebanese territory."And I welcome the stated commitment by Lebanese officials to ensure a state monopoly over weapons." In Syria, sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity are critical. "And we must firmly support an inclusive, Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process, based on the key principles of Security Council resolution 2254 – a process that safeguards the rights and participation of all Syrians regardless of ethnicity and religion, and ensures their protection," he said.
Jordan Times
17-04-2025
- Politics
- Jordan Times
Amman and Damascus agree to bolster cooperation across key sectors
Syrian President Ahmad Al Sharaa on Thursday receives on Thursday Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ayman Safadi in Damascus (Photo courtesy of Foreign Ministry) AMMAN — Syrian President Ahmad Al Sharaa on Thursday received Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ayman Safadi, who conveyed greetings from His Majesty King Abdullah, along with a verbal message reiterating Jordan's commitment to boosting brotherly ties with Syria. The message underscored Jordan's support for Syria's security and stability, as well as its readiness to stand by Damascus during the reconstruction phase, according to a Foreign Ministry statement. President Al Sharaa, in turn, extended his greetings to His Majesty King Abdullah and highlighted the deep-rooted relations between the two countries. He also expressed appreciation for Jordan's continued support and stressed Syria's commitment to enhancing cooperation with the Kingdom in various sectors to serve the interests of both countries. Safadi also held extensive discussions with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al Shibani, focusing on the outcomes of the summit held in Amman on February 26 between His Majesty King Abdullah and President Al Sharaa. During the meeting, the ministers stressed the importance of translating political will into practical cooperation and agreed to advance bilateral cooperation across various sectors. A joint statement issued after the talks stressed the historical ties between Jordan and Syria and called for turning the directives of both countries' leadership into institutional action that benefits the two countries and the wider region. The two sides also agreed to establish a Higher Coordination Council that will oversee joint cooperation in energy, health, industry, trade, transport, agriculture, water, ICT, education, and tourism. The council is scheduled to convene its first meeting in the coming weeks. Safadi reiterated Jordan's steadfast support for a Syrian-led reconstruction process that ensures the unity, security, and sovereignty of Syria, eliminates terrorism, and safeguards the rights of all Syrians after years of conflict and hardship. Al Shibani emphasised the interdependence of Jordanian and Syrian security, voicing Syria's full commitment to Jordan's stability and its rejection of any threats against the Kingdom. He also stressed cooperation in combating terrorism, particularly the Daesh terror group, and in countering drug and arms smuggling networks. Safadi welcomed Syria's efforts in combating drug trafficking and noted the importance of coordinated regional action. The ministers also reviewed implementation steps stemming from the high level Syria and Neighboring Countries Conference on Combating the Daesh terror Group, hosted by Jordan on March 9, 2025. Both ministers expressed satisfaction with the upward trend in trade between their countries and explored ways to sustain this momentum. Safadi condemned Israel's continued aggression against Syria and its occupation of Syrian territory, calling it a blatant violation of international law and a breach of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement. He warned that such actions escalate tensions and threaten regional stability. The ministers also agreed to maintain close coordination and to activate communication between relevant ministries and institutions in both countries to implement agreed measures and enhance cooperation across the board.
Rudaw Net
31-03-2025
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
EU welcomes new Syrian government, stresses need for inclusive transition
Also in Syria Syria's Sharaa says new government cannot please everyone Syria's new cabinet draws criticism over controversial appointments Rojava says won't implement decisions of new 'exclusionary' government in Syria PYD confirms 'serious efforts' for Turkey-SDF ceasefire in northeast Syria A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The European Union on Monday welcomed the formation of Syria's new transitional government and expressed 'steadfast readiness' to cooperate with it, while urging the new Damascus leadership to uphold commitments of a 'a peaceful and inclusive transition." The EU 'is ready to engage with the new government in order to help tackle the immense challenges ahead,' read a statement from the EU External Action Service, stressing that 'the aspirations of all Syrians must be fulfilled.' It reaffirmed its support for the Syrian people, 'while making sure that the commitments of the new government towards a peaceful and inclusive transition are respected.' Additionally, the EU voiced steadfast support 'for a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned transition process, peaceful, inclusive of all components of Syrian society in their diversity, where comprehensive transitional justice ensures accountability for all crimes and meaningfully contributes to national reconciliation.' On Saturday, Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa appointed a 23-member cabinet, including four members from minority groups. However, the appointments have raised concerns as ethnic and religious groups said they were not consulted during the appointment process. The new cabinet also includes individuals who have been blacklisted by the UN and the US over ties to extremist armed groups. The EU remarks come days after German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock told Rudaw in an exclusive interview on Wednesday, that Germany and Europe 'are ready to help them [new leadership in Damascus] lift sanctions for reconstruction, but there must be a political process in which all parties and all actors participate,' Baerbock said. The remarks came after the EU in mid-March pledged around $2.7 billion in aid for Syria to help address the country's humanitarian crisis caused by years of war. Germany then pledged around $327 million to UN agencies and select organizations to assist Syria, while the UK pledged $200 million to provide food, healthcare, and education. Prior to that, in late February, the EU had suspended sectoral measures targeting Syria's energy and transport sectors and removed key banking and finance entities from its sanctions list. It stated that the measures aim 'to facilitate engagement with Syria' in key areas, as well as transactions essential for 'humanitarian and reconstruction purposes.' The EU also underscored that it would 'closely monitor the situation' in Syria and stressed that 'any [new] government formed must be inclusive, encompassing the [country's] various [ethnic and religious] groups.' It warned that if the new Damascus leadership 'does not head in the right direction, we are ready to reimpose the waivered sanctions.'
