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Mr. President, Our meeting today and the adoption of resolution 2254 mark an important step towards resolution of the most brutal conflict of our century. The peace process started in Vienna is long overdue as a human tragedy continues to take place inside Syria and keeps spilling out of its borders, with a particularly heavy burden on its neighbours. Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey are bearing the brunt of it; unprecedented numbers of refugees are reaching Europe, while human traffickers and smugglers are profiting from their plight.

To this very day the civilian population continues to suffer the atrocities committed not only by terrorist groups such as Da’esh but also by the Assad regime which committed countless crimes against its own population. Being part of the problem, Assad cannot be seen as part of the solution to this devastating crisis. All the Syrians should feel safe and have the right to be secure in a future peaceful and democratic Syria. Those who committed crimes against humanity, gross human rights violations and mass atrocities should be brought to justice. There can be no room for impunity.

An immediate halt of hostilities in Syria, leading to an end of this bloody conflict is a matter of urgency and a moral obligation. The very first and the most urgent step is to agree on a long-term, sustainable ceasefire. It is imperative to fully open unconditional and unhindered humanitarian access to all in need, including those in besieged and hard to reach areas.

Mr. President,

At this juncture the political momentum is fragile and still reversible. A real breakthrough requires long term genuine engagement, courage and readiness to compromise by all parties to the conflict. After years of this monstrous war there will be no winners. But there is a lot to be gained by immediately stopping the bloodshed, safeguarding the integrity and sovereignty of the Syrian state and starting building a future for its people.

We welcome the meeting by the broad range of opposition representatives recently held in Riyadh aimed at achieving a common stance in the peace process. We see it as the beginning of the consolidation of moderate opposition and a sign of readiness to seek common solutions.

In order to achieve peace and reconciliation, the Syrians will need our massive, long-term and sustained assistance in all aspects- political, security, humanitarian, reconciliation, reconstruction and development of the country.

We must continue pushing the peace process forward, seeking genuine and sustainable resolution of this conflict, by putting aside differing views and interests. A strong leadership and mediation of the United Nations remains essential. In this respect we express our appreciation to Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and his Special Representative Staffan de Mistura for their efforts. 

A well thought, consistent and comprehensive strategy for political transition, including reconciliation and voluntary and safe return of refugees and IDP’s, must be thoroughly prepared and responsibly implemented in accordance with the 2012 Geneva Communique. 

Mr. President,

Even with a political transition soundly on track, Da’esh will remain one of the biggest threats to peace and stability in the region and beyond. Along with the military means in the fight against Da’esh, there will be a long and difficult battle against its poisonous ideology. This battle must be fought by the Muslims themselves who are the primary and most vulnerable target of Da’esh murderous ideology.

In order to avoid the risks of fragmentation, or the creation of new frozen conflict zones in Syria, and to advance peace process and reconciliation, it is critically important for the local populations to take the lead and ownership. Women’s voices in particular must be heard loud and clear at all stages of negotiations leading to peace and post-conflict reconstruction.

Mr. President,

The strength of Syria lies in its cultural, ethnic and religious diversity. All pieces of this complex fabric – Muslims, Kurds, Alavites, Druzes, Turkmens, Yazidis, Christians, and others – must play a full and integral part in the future of Syria, enjoying equal rights, safety, dignity,  and inclusion in the governance of the country.

Even if the political transition is to be facilitated by a third party, the final decisions on their destiny must be taken by the Syrian people themselves. Only the Syrian people can decide in what state they want to live. And we trust they will choose an inclusive, democratic, accountable, and moderate state to avoid repeating the tragedy that marks their lives today. 

Thank you.