Statement by H.E. Sanita Pavļuta-Deslandes, PR of Latvia to the United Nations at the UN Security Council Briefing on Syria
New York, 22 January 2026
Thank you, Mr. President,
Let me thank Assistant Secretary-General Khiari and OCHA Director Wosornu for their briefings. And I welcome the prticipation of the Permanent Representative of the Syrian Arab Republic to this meeting.
Mr. President,
as the Assistant Secretary-General Khiari briefed us – during the past year Syria has achieved a remarkable progress. However, many hurdles and challenges remain ahead.
Through this perspective, allow me to focus on three points:
First, Latvia is following the developments in the northeast Syria closely and with concern. We welcome the ceasefire and full integration agreement signed by the Syrian transitional government and Syrian Democratic Forces. We call on both sides to continue to exercise restraint for the ceasefire to hold, as tensions and risks of further violence persist. The path towards a peaceful and prosperous future, that all Syrian people have long aspired, cannot be achieved by military means, but through a dialogue and mutual commitment. Orderly and peaceful integration of the SDF military and security personnel into the state institutions would be an important advancement towards a united and inclusive Syria.
We call on the Syrian transitional government to assume governance of the country's northeast with profound responsibility and commitment to serving all Syrians. In this regard, we welcome the historic decree acknowledging civil and cultural rights of Syrian Kurds. Inclusive participation of all ethnic and religious groups of the Syrian society is at the core of the political transition. We are awaiting the elections to be held in the remaining governorates in the northeast and the appointment by President Al‑Sharaa of the selected members, including women, to the People’s Assemby.
Second, as we heard from the OCHA briefing, the humanitarian situation across Syria remains dire. Recent developments, particularly the military clashes in and around Aleppo, as well as in the North East of Syria have an impact on civilian suffering and new waves of displacement. In any outbreak of armed conflict, the protection of civilians is a prerequisite and a legally binding obligation for all sides. We note that safe and organised evacuation of civilians from the conflict zone in Aleppo took place and we call on all parties to maintain the commitment to the fundamental principles of IHL. Reliable humanitarian corridors remain essential to support those who are returning to their communities, and to safeguard the functioning of civilian infrastructure such as hospitals and schools.
Third – stable and restored Syria is vital for the entire Middle East. After decades of violence and grief, the new Syria has a historic opportunity to foster peace, security, and prosperity for itself and its neighbours. We recognise the step by Syria to join the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS. We welcome reopening of the relations between Syria and Lebanon contributing to enhanced cooperation on shared security and economic interests. In the same vein, we acknowledge Syria’s restraint and constructive efforts towards stabilisation of the relationship with Israel.
We hope the establishment of the U.S. mediated joint fusion mechanism will contribute to this aim. And we encourage both sides to take the process forward to achieve a sustainable security arrangement. We emphasise the important role played by UNDOF and welcome the extension of the mission’s mandate.
Mr. President,
International solidarity, focused on recovery and rebuilding, is essential on Syria's path towards stability, dignity, and lasting peace. The UN has the necessary expertise and tools to support this goal and we are convinced that increasing UN presence is beneficial for the future of Syria.
The resilience and determination of the Syrian people gives ground to hope for a better future. Latvia remains committed to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Syria where an inclusive transition would enable the government to address the country's security, humanitarian needs and socio economic recovery.
I thank you.