INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
TEHRAN- The unlawful presence of foreign military forces, especially U.S
troops, in Syria is denounced by Iranian Ambassador to the United Nations, calling it a flagrant breach of international law.Amir Saeed
illegal presence of the foreign military forces, including the U.S
Secretary-General on humanitarian needs in the Syrian Arab Republic (S/2023/419), the humanitarian situation in Syria has been significantly
worsened by the devastating earthquake on 6 February 2023 and the needs of the affected population have reached their highest level since
the beginning of the conflict.Meanwhile, the insufficient funding of the humanitarian response plan is concerning and requires greater
support.The recent visit of Mr
Griffiths to Damascus on 26 June, where he engaged in fruitful discussions with the President and Foreign Minister of the Syrian Arab
Republic, specifically addressing the humanitarian situation, is a positive step
Griffiths for his tireless efforts and extend our gratitude to the United Nations and its partners for their unwavering dedication in
assisting the Syrian people and diligently working towards alleviating their immense suffering.The UN report confirms that the Syrian
government's decision to open the Bab al-Salam and Al-Ra'ee border crossings, along with the subsequent three-month extension until 13
August, has significantly facilitated direct and efficient access to affected individuals
We commend the Syrian government for its constructive cooperation, which has played a crucial role in enabling enhanced humanitarian
operations.According to the SG report, the ongoing unilateral sanctions have impeded humanitarian assistance and access to vital services
Specifically, the sanctions have had a significant impact on two major areas, namely procurement, and payments, and compliance sections of
banks have been rejecting or delaying the processing of financial transactions.The report demonstrates that the alleged humanitarian
exemptions are ineffective and impractical
We strongly emphasize the urgent need to repeal these illegal measures.We also renew our call for humanitarian assistance to be provided
unconditionally and in accordance with the principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and non-discrimination
Political considerations should not obstruct the delivery of assistance to those in need.Despite the clear emphasis placed in Resolution
2672 (2023) on the need to improve cross-line delivery throughout the country, there has been no significant improvement in cross-line
delivery over the past month
The cross-line delivery serves as an essential legal means for providing humanitarian assistance, and its effectiveness is indispensable.We
support the provision of assistance through the cross-border mechanism
However, we reiterate our position that this mechanism is a temporary arrangement that must be implemented in a non-discriminatory manner
while fully respecting Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity.As one of the three basic pillars of Resolution 2672 (2023), early
recovery projects serve a key role in improving the overall humanitarian situation and setting the groundwork for a sustained recovery in
These projects should aim to restore vital infrastructure, including water, electricity, sanitation, healthcare facilities, and educational
institutions, and prioritize demining efforts.It is important that the United Nations and its partners continue to demonstrate steadfast
support for these projects and work diligently to ensure their implementation with transparency and without any form of discrimination.Iran
remains committed to cooperating with its partners in the Astana process to achieve long-term and sustainable normalization in Syria
During the recent meeting held on 20-21 June, the representatives of Iran, Russia, and Turkey, as guarantor countries of the Astana Format,
among various priorities, they emphasized the importance of facilitating the safe, dignified, and voluntary return of refugees and
internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their respective homes in Syria, while ensuring their rights to return and receive support
They also reiterated their opposition to the illegal seizure and transfer of oil revenues that belong to Syria and condemned the actions of
countries supporting terrorist groups, including illegitimate self-rule initiatives in the north-east of Syria;We highlight our support for
the continued Syrian-Turkish dialogue, recognizing its crucial role in these broader efforts.The fight against terrorism must be carried out
in full respect of Syria's national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and without using it as a pretext to violate these fundamental
principles of international law.The illegal presence of foreign military forces including the US forces in Syria constitutes a blatant
violation of the UN Charter and international law and is the primary source of insecurity in the country.We call for the immediate and
complete withdrawal of these unlawful forces, which is essential to creating a conducive environment for resolving the crisis and restoring
continue the progress made toward resolving the crisis.In this context, we are steadfast in our support of the Special Envoy's efforts and
his active engagement with all parties.In conclusion, we strongly condemn the continuous acts of aggression and military attacks by the
Israeli regime against Syria, particularly those that target civilian infrastructure, alongside the persistent occupation of the Syrian
Golan.The Security Council must abandon its current double standard and address the malicious activities and acts of aggression by the
Israeli regime that clearly contravene international law, and international humanitarian law, and violate the sovereignty and territorial
integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic
Moreover, these malign activities not only destabilize the region but also exacerbate tensions.
