The UN Secretary-General appealed on Thursday for an end to the fighting in Syria, where a recent escalation raises the risk of further division in the ongoing civil war.
António Guterres held a stakeout outside the Security Council chamber to address the “grave and dramatic developments” that are unfolding.
“I just spoke with President Erdoğan of Türkiye to discuss the latest,” he said.
In a message on his X handle, he said: I emphasized the urgent need for immediate humanitarian access to all civilians in need and a return to the UN-facilitated political process to end the bloodshed. All parties are obligated under international law to protect civilians.”
Mr. Guterres said this latest offensive was launched into Government-controlled areas by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham – sanctioned by the Council as a terrorist group along with a broad range of other armed opposition groups.
It has led to significant shifts in the frontlines, and tens of thousands of civilians are at risk in a region already on fire.
“We are seeing the bitter fruits of a chronic collective failure of previous de-escalation arrangements to produce a genuine nationwide ceasefire or a serious political process to implement Security Council resolutions,” he said.
He added: “These must change.”
The Secretary-General stated that after 14 years of conflict, it is high time for all parties to engage seriously with his Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, to finally chart a new, inclusive and comprehensive approach to resolving the crisis in line with Security Council resolution 2254 (2015).
“It’s time for serious dialogue,” he stated.
“In other words, restoring Syria’s sovereignty, unity, independence, and territorial integrity – and meeting the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people.
