Sa’eed Iravani, the UN’s permanent representative of Iran, says interim Syrian authorities need to take critical steps to ensure the safety of civilians in Latakia and Tartus.
Irabani spoke on Tuesday to the UN Security Council meeting on “The Situation in the Middle East: (Syria).”
Below is a transcript of his speech.
Thank you to President Madame. We would like to thank envoy Pedersen and Secretary General Tom Fletcher for their insightful briefings. We often heard Jumana Seyf’s opinion.
Regarding the current situation in Syria, I would like to create the following points:
First, we strongly condemn the widespread violence of the people of Latakia and Tartus since March 6th. Interim authorities need to take critical action to end all violence, protect civilians, and ensure unhindered humanitarian access. The rights of all communities must be respected and guaranteed, and attempts to drive away minorities, especially the Alawians and Shias, must be stopped immediately. We welcome the March 14th Security Council’s Presidential Statement. This strongly condemns the massacre and calls for a prompt, reliable, transparent, independent and comprehensive investigation. The interim authorities must ensure full accountability and bring the perpetrators justly and quickly.
Second, it highlights the need to combat Syrian terrorism and the serious threat posed by foreign terrorist fighter jets (FTFSs) that put regional and global security at stake. This cross-border threat calls for coordinated action. We will repeatedly call the interim authorities to take critical steps and to comply with its counterterrorism obligations. FTFs must be repatriated to their home countries, accountable and prevented from further destabilizing the region. Iran relies on the fight against terrorism and is ready to work with legitimate international partners to address this challenge.
Third, I express deep concern about Israel’s continued violation of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Recent Israeli airstrikes, including those from Dara city, have led to civilian casualties and growing tensions in the region. Such attacks constitute a blatant violation of international law and exacerbate instability in the region. Furthermore, Israel’s continued occupation of Golan Heights remains a major obstacle to peace and security. Resolution 497 clearly declares the imposition of law in Israel’s occupied Golan Heights “null and invalid and without international legal effect. It calls on the Security Council to suspend these violations and withdraw from all occupied Syrian territory, in accordance with international law and relevant state resolutions.
Fourth, Syria faces serious humanitarian and economic challenges, requiring urgent reconstruction and rehabilitation of essential services. However, US and EU sanctions continue to hamper recovery, disproportionately hurting vulnerable groups. We welcome the recent EU decision to halt sanctions against Syria in the transport, energy and banking sectors. This relief is insufficient. All illegal measures must be lifted completely to promote the reconstruction of Syria and ensure the safe return of refugees.
Fifth, the future of Syria must be determined solely by its people, with no external interference or imposed. Iran supports the establishment of an inclusive government through free elections and comprehensive national dialogue, ensuring fair representation of all Syrian communities. A temporary constitution must also be submitted to the general vote to ensure national solidarity. The Constitution must help strengthen national unity rather than exacerbating sow divisions and ethnic and religious tensions. Iran, promoted by the United Nations, underscores the need for a Syrian-led, Syrian-owned political process based on the principles of UN Security Council Resolution 2254 (2015). The resolution outlines a clear roadmap for establishing an inclusive, non-denominational government through free and fair elections and comprehensive national dialogue, ensuring fair representation of all Syrians. Iran supports the efforts of the UN envoy, emphasizing that the UN must play a central role in this process.
Sixth, we welcome your return to Syrian Islamic Cooperative Organization (OIC) after 13 years of suspension. This development will allow Syria to resume its role as an important member of this respected body. Iran is committed to supporting Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and is dedicated to playing a constructive role in achieving lasting peace and stability in Syria and the wider regions.
Seventh, in conclusion, we adamantly reject unfounded accusations by US representatives. For years, under the false pretext of counterterrorism, the United States has grossly violated Syrian sovereignty and territorial integrity, enabling terrorist groups, and supporting Israeli occupation to advance its geopolitical agenda. We must not overlook the fact that serious humanitarian crisis and economic hardships in Syria directly arise from the illegal sanctions of Washington and its systematic violations of Syrian basic human rights. These are undeniable facts, and US representatives cannot erase them by leveling off unconfirmed accusations against Iran. We are not involved in actions that seek and support the establishment of sustainable stability and security in Syria, and destabilize Syria and the wider region.
Thank you to Madame
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