Madam President,
I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the members of the A3+, namely Guyana, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, and my own country Algeria.
At the outset, the A3+ would like to thank Special Envoy Pedersen and the civil society briefer [Mr Raed Al Saleh] for their valuable briefings.
The A3+ thank the United States presidency of the Security Council for convening this meeting promptly at our request.
Madam President,
The A3+ express grave alarm and deep concern over the recent escalation of hostilities in Syria, which began on 27 November.
These attacks, including those perpetrated by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham—a group designated as a terrorist organization by this very Security Council—have led to the tragic loss of innocent civilian lives, including women and children, significant damage to civilian infrastructure, and the suspension of critical services.
The A3+ have consistently warned against the resurgence of terrorism in Syria. Regrettably, these warnings have now materialized.
This tragic escalation serves as a stark reminder of the fragility and severity of the situation in Syria, nearly 14 years since the onset of the crisis. It also underscores the pressing need for enhanced coordination to effectively combat terrorism.
Today, there is no longer time for mere conflict management; we must prioritize finding a durable solution.
It is clear to all that there is no military solution to the Syrian crisis. The only viable path forward is a political solution that preserves Syria’s unity, sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.
In this regard, the A3+ reaffirm their firm belief that inclusive dialogue among Syrians, supported by the international community, remains the only sustainable and just pathway to resolving this protracted crisis.
We reiterate our support for the efforts of the Special Envoy and urge all parties to engage constructively with his initiatives to break the current deadlock.
The A3+ also underscore the importance of reconvening the Constitutional Committee and revitalizing the Syrian-owned and Syrian-led political process in line with Resolution 2254.
Madam President,
Syrians must rise to meet the challenges threatening their country.
They must set aside their differences and unite to shape a better future for Syria — free from terrorism and where all Syrians can realize their legitimate aspirations.
A future built on peace, dignity, and hope for all Syrians.
Thank you.
