Syria's permanent representative to the United Nations, Ibrahim Alaby, has accused Israel of being the primary obstacle to achieving stability in Syria. He emphasized that the continued presence of Israeli forces in areas they infiltrated after liberation constitutes a violation of Syrian sovereignty and undermines efforts towards security and stability.
During a UN Security Council session dedicated to the situations in Syria, Alaby highlighted that the Syrian government is pursuing the path of transitional justice. He revealed that about six thousand former regime officials, including dozens of high-ranking officers, have been detained as part of efforts to achieve accountability and reinforce the rule of law.
The Syrian official urged the international community and UN organizations to support this path, confirming Damascus's commitment to the principle of equal citizenship for all individuals. He also mentioned the completion of procedures for collecting applications for the naturalization of Syrian Kurds included in Decree No. 13, as part of steps aimed at addressing unresolved legal and humanitarian issues.
Regarding refugees and displaced persons, Alaby stated that the Syrian government is working on creating suitable conditions for their safe and dignified return, calling for continued international support, particularly in areas of mine clearance, war remnants, and rehabilitation of affected regions.
On the security front, the Syrian representative stressed the importance of enhancing international cooperation to counter terrorism and organized crime, including combating ISIS, arms and drug smuggling, and human trafficking. He affirmed that Syria has become an active partner in international efforts to tackle these challenges.
Alaby also reiterated Syria's commitment to continuing efforts to uncover the fate of the missing and forcibly disappeared, and to progressing in transitional justice. He affirmed Syria's support for Lebanon and its legitimate institutions and national choices in facing current challenges.