Statement by H.E. Sanita Pavļuta-Deslandes, Permanent Representative of Latvia to the United Nations, at the UN Security Council Briefing on Syria
New York, 21 July 2026
Thank you, Mr. President,
I thank the Deputy Special Envoy for Syria, Mr Claudio Cordone, and the Director of Crisis Response Division of OCHA, Ms Edem Wosornu, for their briefings.
Latvia welcomes the convening of the first session of the People's Assembly of Syria on 12th July and the inaugural meeting of Syria’s Supreme Constitutional Court on 19th July, which mark a historic milestone in country's political transition. The members of both newly established institutions have the important responsibility of helping rebuild the country with the rule of law, justice and accountability at its core. We look forward to their work in consolidating Syria's unity and demonstrating inclusive governance that respects the rights and dignity of all Syrians. This also requires filling the seats in the People’s Assembly allocated to representatives from Suwayda as soon as possible. We welcome the increased representation of women in parliament following the Presidential nominations, as well as the appointment of women to the Supreme Constitutional Court. We call for continued progress towards the meaningful participation of women in all decision-making processes in Syria. Building on the framework established by Syria and responding to its nationally defined priorities, the United Nations can play an important supporting role in advancing the country’s political transition, reconstruction and long-term development.
Latvia strongly condemns the recent terrorist attacks in Damascus and extends its sincere condolences to the families of the victims, while wishing a speedy recovery to all those injured. We stand in solidarity with the Syrian people and deplore these violent attacks, which underscore the continued need for the Syrian Armed Forces to combat terrorism and strengthen security across the country. At the same time, we acknowledge the political commitment and significant progress achieved by Syria’s transitional government over the last year and a half, and welcome the announcement of the United States to remove Syria from the State Sponsor of Terrorism List. This important step would further facilitate the country’s financial and economic recovery. We also welcome the decision to reinstate Syria’s rights and privileges within the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. It constitutes a recognition of the determination and continued efforts of the Syrian authorities and institutions to eliminate the remnants of the Assad regime’s chemical weapons programme.
Sustainable peace and stability both within Syria and across the region are essential for fostering economic development, attracting investment, and enabling regional cooperation. To this regard, the recent strike conducted by Iran on eastern Syria is highly alarming. The people of Syria must not be dragged into yet another conflict. Amid the reignited turmoil in the wider Middle East, we encourage Syria's transitional government to pursue its pragmatic engagement to promote regional stability while capitalising on new opportunities arising from Syria’s regional integration. We once again acknowledge Syria’s restraint and readiness to participate in the ongoing mediation efforts aimed at achieving mutually acceptable security arrangements with Israel. We call on Israel to engage constructively, abide by the relevant Security Council resolutions, and respect the terms of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement in the Syrian Golan.
We reiterate our unwavering commitment to the unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic. At a time when sustained efforts are essential to advance peace and stability in the Middle East, the strengthening of good neighbourly relations between Syria and Lebanon is a welcome and encouraging development, demonstrating the value of cooperation grounded in shared interests.
Mr President,
During decades of authoritarian rule, oppression, and violent conflict, the people of Syria have endured immense atrocities and economic devastation. The scars run deep through every Syrian family. The fate and whereabouts of tens of thousands of forcibly disappeared and missing persons remains unknown. We encourage the Syrian transitional government and the relevant national bodies to continue their constructive engagement with the Independent Institution on Missing Persons in the Syrian Arab Republic (IIMP), the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism on Syria (IIIM), the Independent International Commission of Inquiry and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Only the joint and coordinated efforts of all relevant actors, including the affected families and Syrian civil society, can ensure an effective search process based on a comprehensive and survivor-centred approach that fosters reconciliation. Transparency and accountability over the brutal crimes perpetrated by the Assad regime against its own people plays an integral role in the Syrian transitional justice process, whereas allies of Assad should stop using the Syrian territory for destabilizing the Middle East and the wider region.
Latvia remains committed to supporting Syria on its path towards an inclusive political transition, recovery and transitional justice.
I thank you.