Statement of Aivis Kļavinskis, Latvia's Political Coorinator to the United Nations, at the UN Security Council Briefing on Syria
New York, 22 June 2026
Thank you, Madam President,
We thank Deputy Special Envoy for Syria, Mr Claudio Cordone, and Acting Assistant Secretary-General, Mr Indrika Ratwatte, for their valuable briefings.
We welcome the participation of Syria’s Permanent Representative in today’s meeting.
Latvia welcomes the positive momentum in cooperation between the United Nations and Syria, as highlighted in today’s briefing. The United Nations is well placed to support Syria’s efforts towards stability, recovery and development, and we look forward to the relocation of the Special Envoy's office to Damascus in a near term.
Over the past year and a half, Syria's new government has demonstrated substantial progress, but full socio‑economic recovery will require continued efforts and time. To succeed in its transition, Syria needs both internal stability and peace at its borders. Sustained international solidarity is essential to support Syria’s path towards reconstruction and international reintegration.
In this context, I would like to make three points:
First, Syria's political unity has a crucial role in the ongoing transition process. We welcome the continuing comprehensive integration of administrative and security structures in northeast Syria, upholding the agreement reached last January between Syria’s government and the Syrian Democratic Forces. At the same time, government's commitment to create an inclusive political environment must be maintained, respecting the civil and cultural rights of all groups in society. We welcome the recent recognition of language and citizenship rights for Kurds and call for further mutual agreements on strengthening the integration, including on Kurdish participation in political and decision-making structures at all levels.
Second, we take note of the legislative elections recently held in the north‑eastern governorates, which mark an important step closer to convening the People’s Assembly. After years of political repression under the Assad regime, the people of Syria look forward to forming an inclusive legislative body, representing Syria in all its ethnic and religious diversity. We underscore that women's meaningful participation in public life is an integral part of an inclusive political process. Therefore, it is anticipated that the upcoming presidential announcement on the appointment of 70 members of parliament will duly consider the issue of the inclusivity. We encourage Syria’s government to continue its efforts of transitional justice, ensuring comprehensive accountability for all committed crimes, and fostering national reconciliation.
Third, we acknowledge the progress of the Syrian government in stabilizing the security situation in the country and countering Da’esh, including dismantling terrorist cells, disrupting attacks and seizing weapons and explosives. Considerably reduced, Da’esh attacks continue to threaten Syria and the wider region. We welcome the commitment of Syria’s government to tackle the threats posed by terrorism and to take responsibility for the country’s security. To reinforce institutional capacity, we encourage the Syrian authorities to enhance their engagement with the relevant UN counter-terrorism actors, including the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate and the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism.
Madam President,
After years of devastation, people of Syria are eager to build a peaceful and prosperous future. We welcome the political restraint and efforts of the Syrian government aimed at reducing tensions and promoting peaceful relations in the region and with its neighbours. Continued and reinforced support from the international community, including the UN, is essential to facilitate Syrian-led and Syrian-owned efforts towards inclusive governance, transitional justice, stability and economic recovery. Latvia remains committed to supporting these shared goals.
I thank you.