Today's Edition
NEW YORK CITY (ALETIHAD) - His Excellency Mohamed Abushahab, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of the UAE to the United Nations (UN) in New York, delivered the UAE statement at the UN Security Council (UNSC) meeting on the Political and Humanitarian Situation in Syria, stressing the need to continue working towards a solution to the Syrian crisis and to end the suffering of the Syrian people.
At the beginning of the address, His Excellency referred to the war in Gaza, which has led to rising tensions in the region, including the military strikes in the Syrian territories. He reiterated the importance of refraining from exploiting the fragile situation in Syria and dragging it into regional crises.
“This will only bring more suffering for the people of Syria, who continue to endure the repercussions of a bloody war and a catastrophic earthquake,” he said.
Discussing the urgency of intensifying efforts to achieve peace and security in Syria, he expressed hope that the Constitutional Committee will hold its meetings as soon as possible under Syrian leadership and ownership, free from any foreign interference.
Abushahab expressed the UAE’s belief that the amnesty decree issued by the Syrian government this month is another positive step in its endeavours within the political track. Furthermore, the UAE stressed the importance of de-escalation and a ceasefire throughout Syria.
“Such measures will safeguard Syria’s unity, independence, and territorial integrity, especially considering the recent escalation of hostilities in several Syrian regions,” His Excellency underlined, adding that achieving sustainable peace in Syria hinges upon the elimination of terrorist threats.
“The Da’esh terrorist group persistently destabilises security and stability – not only within Syria but also in the entire region,” he added. Discussing the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Syria, he noted that it is reaching “dangerous levels”, as infrastructure and vital facilities, such as schools, healthcare, and water networks, are damaged.
“Furthermore, the targeting of Damascus International Airport led to the suspension of United Nations Humanitarian Air Services flights for nearly a month, adversely affecting the delivery of 2.3 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Syria,” His Excellency added.
He expressed concerns over the rising prices of basic commodities and the sharp decline in the value of the Syrian currency, noting that this situation has resulted in an increased reliance on humanitarian aid and brining over 90% of the Syrian population below the poverty line.
"To address these extremely alarming conditions, it is imperative to allow for the continued passage of humanitarian aid across all regions in Syria and by all available means. Delivery must be conducted on a large scale and tailored to the specific types of aid required on the ground, especially in winter,” Abushahab said, welcoming the Syrian government’s decision to extend the opening of the Bab Al-Salama and Bab Al-Rai crossings for an additional three months to meet humanitarian needs.
He also underscored the need to focus on early recovery projects to improve the living conditions of Syrians. “The UAE stresses the need to continue working towards a solution to the Syrian crisis and to end the suffering of the Syrian people so that they can rebuild their country and repair what has been destroyed by war and disaster,” His Excellency said.
