Discurso do Representante Permanente, Embaixador Sérgio França Danese, em "briefing" do Conselho de Segurança sobre a Síria - 23 de agosto de 2023 (texto em inglês)
Statement by the Permanent Representative, Ambassador Sérgio França Danese, at the UNSC Briefing on Syria
August 23rd, 2023
Madam President,
I thank Special Envoy Pedersen for his thorough briefing. We also heard with attention the presentation of Ms. Lubna AlKanawati.
I welcome Syria’s representative to today’s meeting, as well as the representatives of Türkiye and Iran.
Brazil, a country so proud of its illustrious and hardworking community of Syrian descent, continues to support the efforts of the Special Envoy to facilitate a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political settlement, in accordance with resolution 2254.
Resolution 2254 urged all parties to the UN-facilitated process to adhere to a number of principles in their talks. These principles include the commitment to Syria’s unity, independence and territorial integrity. They also highlight the need to ensure the continuity of governmental institutions, non-sectarism, and the protection of the rights of all Syrians, regardless of ethnicity or religious denominations.
We reiterate that call, as well as those principles. In our view, clarity by all parties on the requirements of resolution 2254 might facilitate the resumption of the political dialogue, as well as support progress in the substantive discussions once they resume.
We welcome the role of the League of Arab States in facilitating a political solution to the Syrian crisis. The reinstatement of Syria’s full membership to the Arab League constitutes positive development in the region, in support of a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political settlement, as said.
Coordination between the Arab ministerial contact committee on Syria, from the Arab League, and the good offices of the Special Envoy, may strengthen the prospect of reconvening the Constitutional Committee. We encourage all parties to show flexibility to overcome differences for the resumption of the UN-facilitated process, including regarding location and logistical arrangements.
Brazil underscores the need to address the situation of Syrian refugees in cooperation with the Syrian government. Refugee-hosting countries, particularly those neighboring Syria, bear a significant burden. The international community can facilitate the voluntary and safe return of refugees, including by supporting development and livelihood projects for the returning population in Syria.
Support for initiatives throughout Syria that alleviate the human suffering due to economic hardship should not be politicized. Early recovery projects and the adequate funding of the humanitarian response, without geographic discrimination, would contribute to creating an environment conducive to social stability in the whole country.
We took note of the statement by the Deputy Special Envoy concerning possible frauds in support of membership applications to the Syrian Women’s Advisory Board, in exchange of money. If so, such fraudulent behavior is unacceptable.
The latest report of the UN Monitoring Team regarding the threat posed by Da’esh and Al-Qaeda and their affiliated groups states that HTS remains the terrorist group exerting effective control in the North-West of Syria. The report also indicates that Da’esh views the North-West as a potential gateway for expanding its presence beyond Syria. Brazil reiterates its condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and under any justifications or pretexts. We emphasize the need to coordinate counterterrorism operations in Syria with the Syrian government, in accordance with the UN Charter and in full respect of Syrian sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Madam President,
Council resolution 2268 established the 30-day reporting cycle justifying today’s meeting. In 2016, when that resolution was adopted, the Council recognized that the cessation of hostilities in Syria constituted a step towards a lasting ceasefire, with a close linkage with the parallel political process.
Brazil considers that this linkage between peace and the prospect of a successful political settlement requires a commitment to peace within Syria, but also outside Syria, towards Syria, in accordance with the principles and purposes of the UN Charter.
Thank you.