A3 PLUS STATEMENT BY
H.E. DR. MICHAEL IMRAN KANU
AMBASSADOR/PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE
Mr. President,
I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the A3+, namely Algeria, Guyana, Somalia, and my own country, Sierra Leone.
At the outset, the A3+ extends its sincere appreciation to ASG Khaled Khiari for his informative briefing.
Mr. President,
The A3+ expresses its deep concern regarding the latest developments in the Syrian Arab Republic.
We have consistently advocated for a stable, sovereign, and prosperous Syria.
Its continued destabilization risks exacerbating tensions across an already fragile Middle East.
We condemn the Israeli airstrikes that recently targeted multiple areas in Syria, including Syria’s Military Staff Command building, which was being used to temporarily house the Ministry of Defence and locations in the vicinity of the Presidential Palace in Damascus. These acts further threaten an already fragile state.
These attacks represent a clear violation of international law, including the United Nations Charter, particularly Article 2(4), which prohibits the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations and the principles of international humanitarian law.
Furthermore, these airstrikes breached the terms of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement between Israel and the Syrian Arab Republic.
We reiterate our call for full respect and implementation of this Agreement, as well as relevant Security Council resolutions, including the most recently adopted Resolution 2782, which stresses that both parties must abide by the terms of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement and scrupulously observe the ceasefire.
Mr. President,
The A3+ reaffirms its position in support of an inclusive, credible, and Syrian-led political transition that allows all Syrians, regardless of ethnicity or religion, to participate in building the future of their country.
A Syria built by all Syrians and for all Syrians, without exclusion, is the only path to durable peace and remains pivotal to regional peace and security.
We are particularly alarmed by the recent escalation of violence in Suweida, a majority-Druze region, which has reportedly resulted in the deaths of hundreds, including civilians, and has caused significant injuries and displacement.
On protection of Syrian minorities, the A3+ wants to be clear that it is the responsibility of the Syrian interim authorities to protect all Syrians, including the Druze community. In this regard, we welcome the statement and commitment of the interim president in protecting communities and fostering national cohesion.
The A3+ unequivocally condemns these acts of violence, and stresses that those responsible must be brought to justice.
We express our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wish a speedy recovery to those injured.
We call upon the interim Syrian authorities to conduct a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation and to hold the perpetrators accountable.
We also take note of the statement issued by the Office of the Syrian Presidency, in this regard, and look forward to seeing concrete steps taken in response. The A3+ reiterates its support for efforts aimed at truth, reconciliation, and accountability.
After fourteen years of conflict, the Syrian people, all of them, deserve peace, security, and prosperity.
There is no place for vengeance or retribution. What is needed now is national dialogue, reconciliation, and unity.
Mr. President,
The recent events underscore once again the fragile nature of the situation in Syria. It requires urgent and sustained efforts to foster coexistence among its communities. National ownership of an inclusive political process must be preserved and promoted.
We further stress the need for regional de-escalation and reaffirm our support for Syria’s sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity.
External interference continues to fuel instability and deepen Syria’s fragility.
We urge all actors to prioritize dialogue, refrain from actions that may further deteriorate the situation, uphold the principles of the UN Charter, and to work collectively to ensure the well-being and dignity of the Syrian people.
The A3+ remains committed to engaging constructively in this regard.
Thank you.
