Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Miqdad confirmed that the American and Turkish occupations of Syrian territory and Turkey's practices in northeastern Syria, as well as its support for terrorists in Syria, violate Syrian sovereignty and contravene international law and all relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.
The Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported today that Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Dr. Faisal Miqdad met with Geir Pedersen, the Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Syria, and the accompanying delegation, discussing several issues related to the situation in Syria. The agency noted that the discussions between the two sides touched on the political process and the economic situation, emphasizing that unilateral economic coercive measures complicate this situation, especially in light of the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Miqdad asserted that the American and Turkish occupations of Syrian territory, Turkey's practices in northeastern Syria, and its support for terrorists in Syria violate Syrian sovereignty and breach international law and all relevant Security Council resolutions regarding Syria. He pointed out the humanitarian impact of the unilateral coercive measures imposed on the Syrian people despite the ongoing pandemic. Miqdad also highlighted the criminal and oppressive actions of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) against the citizens of Syria in the provinces of Hasaka, Raqqa, and Deir ez-Zor.
The minister called on the United Nations to raise its voice under the charter and the international resolutions issued by the Security Council against all these practices and to take a clear stance in accordance with the principles and objectives established by international humanitarian law. Regarding the Constitutional Committee and its work, both sides emphasized the importance of ensuring no external interference in the affairs of the committee and guaranteeing that this entire process remains under Syrian leadership and ownership without any externally imposed timelines.
In this context, Minister Miqdad stressed the importance of the special envoy maintaining his role as a neutral facilitator, noting that the committee, since its formation and the beginning of its work, has become self-governing, deciding on the recommendations it can produce and how its work proceeds, reaffirming that the Syrian people have the exclusive right to determine the future of their country.
In statements to journalists, Pedersen described his discussions with Minister Miqdad as extensive and comprehensive, covering all issues related to Resolution 2254, adding that further discussions would take place today and tomorrow. The meeting was attended by Dr. Bashar Jaafari, Deputy Foreign Minister, Dr. Ayman Soussan, Assistant Foreign Minister, Dr. Abdullah Hallak, Director of the Private Office, and Ihab Hamid from the Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates.
