Kuwait City: Kuwait Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Tareq Al-Banai, reaffirmed the full solidarity of the Arab group in the UN Security Council with Syria in protecting its unity, sovereignty, stability, and the safety of its citizens. "Over the past 13 years, Syria suffered from one of the bloodiest conflicts and the worst economic hardships but it did not give in to despair," he stated in a speech to a Security Council session on the situation in the Middle East.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Ambassador Al-Banai spoke on behalf of the State of Kuwait, the chair of the Arab group for February, highlighting the Arab group's support for the Syrian people in the process of rebuilding a unified and independent state, free from terrorism and extremism. He emphasized the need for joint regional and international efforts to support Syria and its people during this delicate stage, alongside strengthening transitional justice, encouraging national unity, and improving humanitarian conditions and reconstruction.
Al-Banai stressed that the process must ensure the sustainability of government institutions and protect the rights of all Syrians, regardless of race or religious sect, under the auspices of the United Nations and the Arab League in accordance with the principles of Security Council Resolution No. 2254. Addressing Syria's challenging economic conditions, the Kuwaiti delegate highlighted the importance of overcoming obstacles to achieve the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people and ensure their right to a fair and comprehensive economic recovery.
He expressed the Arab Group's support for the ongoing dialogue between Syria and the United Nations on political and humanitarian tracks aimed at improving the situation in the country, opening humanitarian crossings, and allowing aid to reach all segments of the Syrian population. Al-Banai underscored the importance of leveraging current international momentum to achieve a sustainable shift in Syria's humanitarian and economic conditions, enabling the Syrian people to rebuild their country in a manner befitting their history and future.
Furthermore, Al-Banai condemned the continued incursion of the occupying Israeli entity into the buffer zone with Syria and adjacent sites in Mount Hermon and the governorates of Quneitra and Rif Dimashq, labeling it "an additional occupation and a flagrant violation of international law." He called for the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of occupation forces from all Syrian Arab territories and adherence to the 1974 Disengagement Agreement and relevant Security Council resolutions.
He urged support for the mandates of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization and the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force to enable them to carry out their responsibilities, particularly monitoring and reconnaissance operations. Al-Banai called on the Security Council to take necessary measures to halt the occupying entity's unilateral violations, especially the breach of Syrian territorial sovereignty and ongoing large-scale air strikes.
In conclusion, the Kuwaiti delegate reiterated the Arab Group's rejection of any attempt to divide Syria again and affirmed its firm stance in supporting the country, fulfilling the aspirations of the Syrian people, and standing with them at all levels to contribute to maintaining international peace and security.