The UN Security Council has issued its first statement on Syria following the overthrow of President Bashar Assad's government, calling for a Syrian-led political process leading to elections, and urging all nations to respect the country’s sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity.
The council said Syrians should “peacefully, independently and democratically determine their own futures” based on key principles in a 2015 council resolution that sets out a roadmap to peace calling for a new constitution and UN-monitored elections. It said the process should be facilitated by the United Nations and backed efforts being taken by UN envoy Geir Pedersen.
The statement released Tuesday night makes no mention of the Dec. 8 ouster of Assad by opposition group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.
The Security Council reiterated support for the UN peacekeeping force known as UNDOF monitoring the Israel-Syria border following the 1973 Mideast war. It stressed the obligation of all parties to the 1974 Disengagement Agreement that established a demilitarized buffer zone between the countries to abide by its terms and reduce tensions.
The council statement, approved by all 15 members, underscored the importance of combatting terrorism in Syria and preventing ISIS from re-establishing its stronghold in the country.
The Security Council also reiterated Syria’s obligation to respect human rights and international humanitarian law. This includes the right to seek justice and allow and facilitate humanitarian access to millions in need, the statement said.
