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, 17 September 2026
Thank you, Mr. President,
I thank Deputy Special Envoy for Syria, Claudio Cordone, and USG Tom Fletcher, as well as Mr. Yaser Tabbara for their informative briefings.
Mr. President,
Following decades of devastating civil war and dictatorship, and amidst the ongoing turbulence in the wider Middle East, Syria strives for stability, both internally and at its borders. Stability is essential for advancing Syria’s political transition and reconstruction. The resilience of the Syrian people and their desire for a dignified life are at the heart of this process.
We recognise the principles of transparency, cooperation, and responsibility demonstrated by the Syrian government as it restores the country's place in the international political and economic arena. We encourage for the same principles to be prioritised in further strengthening Syria's social cohesion. Transparency regarding decisions taken, continuous engagement with a free and open Syrian civil society, the meaningful participation of women in political decision‑making, and inclusive representation of all ethnic and religious communities in political processes are essential to ensuring broad and genuine Syrian ownership of the transition.
We look forward to the significant legislative work to be undertaken by the People's Assembly, including the drafting of the permanent constitution. The Syrian people rightfully await the restoration of the rights and freedoms of which they were deprived for the last six decades. People's expectation of being represented and heard particularly underscores the deeply symbolic role embodied by the new parliament.
We underscore the importance of creating conditions conducive for continuation of safe, voluntary and dignified return of refugees and internally displaced persons, including through mine action to reduce risks and ensure the safety of affected communities. We echo USG Fletcher’s assessment that there is a genuine potential for Syria to move towards recovery, while emphasizing that humanitarian needs remain significant and Syrian population continues to face economic hardship, exacerbated by growing fuel prices. It is clear that full socio-economic recovery will require continued efforts, time, investment and sustained international solidarity.
Rebuilding the rule of law and restoring confidence in public institutions, recognising the suffering of victims and providing answers to the families of missing persons are essential steps towards healing the painful scars of the past and contributing to a lasting peace in Syria. Beyond ensuring accountability for the crimes of the former regime and preventing their recurrence, the Syrian people look forward to a genuinely comprehensive and transparent transitional justice process.
We commend the results achieved through the IIIM and call for the Syrian government and the relevant national bodies to continue their constructive engagement with international mechanisms and organisations and further facilitate their work on the ground. We welcome and encourage further contributions from countries to support Syrian law enforcement agencies, investigative authorities, prosecutorial authorities, and judges.
We acknowledge the commitment by the new Syrian government to resolve questions inherited from the ousted Assad regime, that is well reflected by the ongoing work on the elimination of chemical weapons programme and recently on the declared nuclear materials. We welcome the cooperation between the Syrian authorities and the IAEA that has led to a decision taken by its Board of Governors to close the outstanding issues related to Syria’s nuclear file.
Turning to the external dimension, Syria’s demonstrated commitment to fostering regional stability has opened up new opportunities for the normalization of relations with its neighbours, as well as for integration into regional economic corridors and the attraction of international investment. We welcome this trajectory and encourage Syria to build on these positive developments, further strengthening its role as a constructive and responsible regional partner.
Even though this Council in its Resolution 2824 (2026) has unanimously underscored that there should be no military activity of any kind in the area of separation, military actions in the Syrian Golan continue. They violate relevant UN resolutions and the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement, and are by no means a sustainable solution to Israel's security concerns. We encourage Israel and Syria to resume negotiations towards mutually acceptable security arrangements, in full compliance with international law, respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic, and ensuring the protection of civilians on both sides of the border.
In conclusion,
We call on the international community to remain steadfast in its support for Syria as it advances along the path of political transition, recovery and reconstruction.
The United Nations is uniquely placed to support Syria-led priorities by bringing together its political, humanitarian, development and institution-building capacities. Latvia continues to support the people of Syria in their efforts towards a stable, peaceful, and prosperous future.
I thank you.