Iran Press/America: Presenting a speech on Thursday before the United Nations Security Council on the situation in the Middle East with a focus on Syria, Amir-Saeed Iravani said that the people of Syria never accept the violation of their sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Iravani made the remarks on the thirteenth anniversary of the start of the conflict in Syria. It was in 2011 when the US-created Daesh (ISIS) invaded Syria and did horrible slaughters and devastation to topple President Assad's government and establish its own rule.
Here is the full text of Iravani's statement on the occasion as follows:
Mr. President,
We thank Mr. Pederson, the Special Envoy, and Ms. Joyce Msuya, Assistant Secretary-General for their briefings.
Mr. President,
This month marks the thirteenth anniversary of the start of the conflict in Syria.
Over these thirteen years, the Syrian people have greatly suffered, with the conflict also having adverse consequences on the peace, security, and stability of the entire region.
Since the start of the conflict in 2011, certain countries have pursued their political agenda in Syria through military solutions. To this end, they disregarded basic principles of the UN Charter, violated Syrian Sovereignty and territorial integrity, and supported terrorist and separatist groups.
Regrettably, after thirteen years, these countries are resorting to sanctions as a means to achieve objectives they failed to attain through military or diplomatic channels.
Mr. President,
Addressing the root causes of the crisis in Syria requires fundamental actions to ensure lasting peace, security, and stability. Several key principles must be thoroughly adhered to by all parties involved.
Firstly, it must be recognized that there is no military solution. Likewise, actions such as politicizing humanitarian aid, obstructing the return of refugees and displaced persons, and especially imposing unilateral sanctions, serve only to prolong the crisis and worsen the suffering endured by the Syrian population.
Secondly, the conflict cannot be resolved without upholding the full sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic. Under no circumstances can these essential elements be compromised.
The Syrian people refuse to accept the ongoing occupation of their land or any violation of their sovereignty. Also, the international community must reject such actions, as they contravene fundamental principles of international law.
We reiterate our call for the immediate withdrawal of all uninvited foreign forces from Syria. Specifically, we emphasize the imperative for the withdrawal of U.S. forces occupying parts of Syrian territory.
Furthermore, the restoration of Syria's territorial integrity demands relentless efforts to combat all terrorist groups without interruption.
Any pause in these operations would provide an opportunity for these groups to solidify their position and perpetrate further atrocities.
This would make the conflict last longer and make it harder to find a political solution. It is imperative, however, that the protection of civilians remains paramount throughout counterterrorism efforts.
We strongly condemn the ongoing Israeli military attacks in Syria as both unlawful and provocative, serving only to escalate tensions and undermine stability. That regime must be held accountable and forced to end such aggressive actions immediately.
Mr. President,
While providing immediate aid is crucial, it is not a sustainable solution in the long term.
Efforts must focus on rebuilding critical infrastructure, creating conditions for the safe return of refugees and internally displaced persons, and advancing the political process.
In this context, we call for the immediate lifting of unilateral sanctions. The continuation of such inhuman measures violates the basic human rights of the Syrian people, punishes the entire Syrian population, and exacerbates the plight of the most vulnerable segments of society. In addition, the alleged humanitarian exemptions within sanctions frameworks often prove ineffective, given the complex and extensive nature of these sanctions.
Mr. President,
In its turn, Iran is committed to a political resolution of this crisis. It will continue supporting a truly Syrian-led, Syrian-owned, UN-facilitated political process, as well as assisting the people and Government of Syria to restore the unity and territorial integrity of their country.
We support the efforts being conducted by Mr. Pederson, Special Envoy, for the resumption of the meetings of the Constitutional Committee as an effective mechanism for advancing the political process. In this regard, we welcome his recent visit from Damascus and engagement with Syrian authorities.
Mr. President,
Iran, along with its Astana format partners, is committed to working towards long-term and sustainable normalization in and around Syria.
We support continuing the Syrian-Turkish dialogue as part of this effort.
We also support efforts and cooperation within the Astana format to reveal the fate of missing persons.
Lastly, it is of utmost importance to make every possible effort to facilitate the safe and dignified return of Syrian refugees to their homeland and to meet their humanitarian needs.
I thank you.
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