DAMASCUS: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the United Nations will submit a detailed report to the Security Council later this month on Israeli violations in Syria, stressing that breaches of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are unacceptable.
Speaking at a news conference in Damascus, Guterres called on Israel to respect the 1974 Disengagement Agreement and reaffirmed the UN’s support for Syria’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.
He warned that UN humanitarian assistance currently covers only around 20 percent of the needs of the Syrian population, highlighting the urgent requirement for greater international support.
Guterres said his visit to Sednaya Prison exposed the suffering endured there, where tens of thousands of people were killed and tortured. He added that transitional justice efforts are underway and stressed the need for accountability for all crimes committed in recent years.
The UN chief welcomed steps to ease sanctions but called for their complete and immediate removal to support Syria’s economic recovery. He said Syria’s reintegration into regional and global economies is essential for restoring services, rebuilding infrastructure, improving education and healthcare, and creating economic opportunities.
During his three-day visit to Damascus, Guterres met Syrian leaders and urged the international community to help the country’s recovery and long-term stability.