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Goldrich Reaffirms US Commitment to Accountability in Syria

US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Ethan Goldrich (US Department of State)
US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Ethan Goldrich (US Department of State)
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Goldrich Reaffirms US Commitment to Accountability in Syria

US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Ethan Goldrich (US Department of State)
US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Ethan Goldrich (US Department of State)

Ethan Goldrich, the US deputy assistant secretary of state for near eastern affairs, with responsibility for the Levant and Syria engagement, reaffirmed that the US position on normalizing ties with the Syrian regime of President Bashar al-Assad has not changed.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Goldrich called for focusing on holding the regime accountable for the horrors it committed. He highlighted the importance of UN Security Council resolution 2254 in guaranteeing the future stability of Syria.

He said the US has not and will not support any effort to normalize relations with the regime or rehabilitate it, adding that US sanctions against it are still in place.

Washington continues to impose new, targeted sanctions on the regime to demonstrate its commitment to human rights and the Caesar Act, Goldrich told Asharq Al-Awsat.

The official urged all states, especially those considering the association with the Assad regime, to pay close attention to the atrocities committed against the Syrian people over the past decade, including chemical weapons attacks and the forced disappearance and imprisonment of more than 100,000 men, women, and children.

He urged a continued focus on accountability.

When it comes to finding a political solution for the Syrian people, after more than a decade of war, the Assad regime has undoubtedly been the biggest obstacle to progress on that path, noted the official.

Affirming that the US remains firmly committed to finding a political solution for the conflict in Syria, Goldrich said that Washington believes that the process outlined in Security Council Resolution 2254 remains the most viable path to ensuring future stability in Syria.

He said the US strongly supports the efforts of UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen to bring Syrians together.

The US will continue to work with the UN, its allies, the Syrian opposition, and its international partners to ensure Syria’s stability in the future, Goldrich pledged.

Regarding Lebanon, Goldrich said that the situation there calls for “concern,” pointing out to helping the Lebanese people in a way that fits US law.

The US official also noted that Iranian presence destabilizes Syria and Lebanon and that the Lebanon-based Hezbollah terror group works to embolden Tehran’s malign agenda.

Goldrich had just concluded a tour that saw him visiting several countries in the region to promote a collaborative approach to resolving the Syrian conflict and encourage creative ways to implement UNSC resolution 2254.

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UN Deputy Special Coordinator to Asharq Al-Awsat: Humanitarian Situation in Lebanon is ‘Catastrophic’

Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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UN Deputy Special Coordinator to Asharq Al-Awsat: Humanitarian Situation in Lebanon is ‘Catastrophic’

Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)

One of the UN’s top humanitarian officials in Lebanon, Imran Riza, has warned that the situation will worsen if the conflict continues, calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

He stressed that the ongoing war is placing immense strain on both the UN and the Lebanese government, as over a million people have been displaced. He said current needs exceed $400 million, but only 12% of that amount has been raised so far.

Worsening Crisis

Riza, who is the UN Deputy Special Coordinator for Lebanon, UN Resident, and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon, spoke to Asharq Al-Awsat. He described the past two weeks as “catastrophic” for civilians, with the crisis growing over the last year.

More than 600,000 people have been displaced and over a million affected, with 300,000 crossing the border, according to Riza.

Many of these people have been displaced more than once in search of safety. Riza emphasized that the war has severely impacted civilians, with more than a quarter of Lebanon's population affected.

The UN has been working to address the crisis, but Riza said resources are limited.

He stressed that the UN has been saying all year that it doesn’t have enough funds, even when there were only 110,000 displaced people.

Last week, the UN launched a $426 million appeal for urgent humanitarian aid, with 12% of the funding already secured.

Riza said more support is expected, with donor countries pledging additional help.

He also expressed gratitude for contributions from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which provided medical and relief supplies, and said the UN hopes to see more international assistance soon.

Working with the Government

The UN is working closely with the Lebanese government every day to provide shelter, food, healthcare, and water to those in need.

Cooperation with the government has been excellent, said Riza.

However, he acknowledged that the government’s capacity is weakened after five years of ongoing crises, which have also severely impacted the population.

People are less resilient than they were during the 2006 war, and the government and its institutions are weaker, affirmed Riza.

The UN is helping the government respond effectively, ensuring transparency and accountability, so that aid reaches those who need it, he added.

The UN is also collaborating with local and international NGOs that have gained experience from Lebanon’s recent crises, helping to ensure a more effective response. Shelters are also being monitored to prevent any abuse.

A Different Reality from 2006

The current situation in Lebanon is very different from the 2006 war. Politically, the country now has a caretaker government and no president, with much less international presence.

Back then, other countries were more involved, said Riza.

The 2006 war lasted only 33 days, but this conflict has dragged on for a year, he noted.

During recent visits to southern border areas, Riza said locals were asking when the war would end, as the situation has worsened significantly in the past two weeks.

Riza noted that, in the first week of the crisis, it was extremely difficult to respond, and even now, many displaced people remain without shelter.

The UN is working with the government to provide shelter, food, and healthcare, but it’s not easy, he noted.

Displacement Crisis

With winter approaching, Riza stressed the need to properly house displaced people, saying that people can’t be left without shelter.

There are also concerns over a lack of housing, clean water, and sanitation, as well as the risk of disease outbreaks. Despite these challenges, Riza praised the close cooperation between the UN, international organizations, and partners.

Many agencies are responding, he asserted.

Riza rejected any claims of discrimination between displaced groups, noting that both Lebanese and Syrians are currently staying in UNRWA schools. He added that talks with the government about sheltering displaced Syrians have been positive.

Riza also expressed concern about the school year and children’s education.

Prolonged Conflict

The United Nations sees no immediate solution to the humanitarian and military crisis in Lebanon, with Riza stressing that the solution must be political and diplomatic, but first, a ceasefire is needed.

While there is little optimism for an end to the conflict, Riza said, the UN is encouraged by the support from its partners, which helps the organization assist the displaced.

He mentioned the recent evacuation of 1,000 people from Ain Ebel and aid distribution in Tyre, emphasizing the need to ensure that they reach those in need.

Riza called on all sides to respect international and humanitarian laws, allowing safe access for aid workers.

He condemned violations, including the deaths of firefighters, health workers, civil defense staff, and UN personnel, adding that the toll on civilian and health infrastructure is growing.