Guterres Calls for Full International Support and Sanctions Relief to Rebuild Syria

First Official Visit in Seventeen Years

UN Secretary-General António Guterres arrived in Syria on an official visit, the first by a UN Secretary-General in seventeen years. He was received by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates on 25 July, and delivered his principal remarks on 27 July in an interview broadcast on Syrian Al-Ikhbariya television.

International Support and Sanctions Relief

Guterres stated that one of his primary tasks is to convey to the international community the urgent need for full support of Syria. He called for the mobilization of concrete financial resources to rebuild the country after years of destruction, and explicitly urged the removal of certain sanctions, asserting that the international community has an obligation to stand by Syria. He expressed confidence that the country is moving in the right direction.

Displaced Persons and Survivors

The Secretary-General noted that thousands of displaced Syrians have returned to their areas of origin and that the number of internally displaced persons has declined. He called for substantial support from UN agencies for this population, and stressed the importance of assisting victims, survivors, and the families of the missing, describing the uncertainty over the fate of missing persons as the most painful form of suffering.

Saydnaya Prison and Human Rights

Guterres expressed deep distress following his visit to Saydnaya prison, reaffirming the need for international solidarity with the Syrian government's efforts in this domain. He indicated that the United Nations will continue to support accountability efforts and the documentation of violations.

The Golan and Israeli Violations

Addressing the occupied Golan Heights, Guterres affirmed that the Golan is Syrian territory and that Israeli violations are unacceptable. He clarified that the UN's role in this context is limited to monitoring and documenting violations and the suffering they cause to the local population.

Damascus Meetings and Commitment to Continued Support

Guterres praised his discussions with Syrian head of government Ahmad al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, pledging to do everything in his power to mobilize international support for Syria. He concluded by expressing gratitude for Syrian hospitality and admiration for the resilience of the Syrian people.