May 21, 2025
Mr. President,
I would like to thank Mr. Pedersen and Mr. Fletcher for their briefings on the situation in Syria. It has been more than five months since the dictatorship imposed by the Assad family collapsed. The transition path taken since then has been arduous, and France would like to stand alongside the Syrian people so that the immense hopes that have been raised since December 2024 are not disappointed. That was the meaning of the visit to Paris on May 7 by the president of the Syrian transitional authorities, Mr. Ahmed al-Charaa.
Mr. President, I have three messages.
1/ Firstly, we have a responsibility to help in Syria’s recovery and to facilitate its reintegration into the international community.
Without prospects for economic recovery, there will be no lasting peace in Syria, nor will Syrian refugees be able to return safely, sustainably, and voluntarily. It is with this in mind that the Council of the European Union announced yesterday, on May 20, the political decision to lift economic sanctions in order to support Syria’s economic recovery. This European decision reaffirms the European Union’s consistent commitment since 2011 to stand alongside Syrians who have fought for their freedom and dignity. We interpret President Trump’s announcements in Riyadh on May 13 as part of the same movement of support to Syria and its economy.
In parallel, humanitarian actors must be able to carry out their work without any hindrance and be supported, including financially, by the entire international community. The needs in this area are immense. France supports the OCHA in this regard. It also supports the efforts of the UNHCR to facilitate the return of refugees who wish and are able to return home.
With regard to the reintegration efforts of Syria within the international community, we welcome the willingness shown by the Syrian transitional authorities to reestablish contact with the rest of the world. Syria’s neighbors have a particular responsibility to help it respect its commitments, including that of not posing a threat to its neighbors.
To this end, we call on Israel not to take any unilateral action that could exacerbate community tensions in Syria or complicate the political transition. France reiterates its call for Israel to end its military activities on Syrian territory and withdraw from the separation zone established by the 1974 disengagement agreement. Syria and Israel must take each other’s security concerns into account.
France also intends to continue its facilitation efforts and contribute to the resolution of border disputes between Syria and Lebanon.
Mr. President,
2/ Secondly, the Syrian authorities must do everything possible to restore civil peace and put an end to interfaith violence.
The attacks against the Druze population to the south of Damascus in late April have revived the specter of interfaith violence, one month after the massacres against the Alawite community. It is up to the Syrian authorities to do everything possible to restore harmony among all components of Syrian society.
The implementation of the principle of accountability must serve as a roadmap for the transitional authorities. In this regard, the findings of the commission of inquiry on the violence in the coastal region are awaited with great expectations. Their credibility and impartiality will be a guarantee of the transitional government’s commitment to ensuring that Syria respects all of its components. In the long term, genuine transitional justice must be established, with the support of the United Nations. We encourage the Syrian authorities to build further upon the momentum of cooperation begun with the United Nations.
Finally, we expect the commitments taken with regards the Syrian Kurds will be implemented. The PKK’s call to lay down their arms and the announcement of their disbandment are an opportunity to be seized upon in order to preserve Syria’s unity and territorial integrity.
3/ Thirdly, the Syrian authorities must make progress on the building of inclusive political institutions if they are to build the Syria of tomorrow.
The formation of a transitional government and the publication of a transitional constitutional declaration are encouraging signs. However, efforts to ensure inclusivity must be translated into concrete action, particularly in the upcoming composition of the Legislative Council. The national dialogue must continue and be more broad-based.
France reiterates its preparedness to support the Syrian authorities to ensure the success of the political transition, in accordance with the major principles set out in Security Council Resolution 2254. It has expressed its willingness to support the strengthening of the Syrian state’s administrative capacities, as reiterated to President Al-Sharaa in Paris on May 7. We commend the United Nations’ efforts in this regard, particularly those of Geir Pedersen. The Syrian authorities must continue and structure their cooperation with the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General, basing itself on the strategic review currently being conducted by the Secretariat.
Finally, a stable Syria requires the eradication of the terrorist threat. This threat remains high. It is a priority for France and for the Security Council. It is essential that the authorities in Damascus continue the fight against this threat and address without delay the issue of foreign terrorist fighters present on Syrian territory. The international community also expects the dismantling of the chemical weapons program and calls for Damascus to continue its cooperation with the OPCW.
Mr. President,
The ongoing political transition is an opportunity to give Syria a better future and make it a hub of regional stability. The international community must provide its full support. To do so, it needs the Syrian authorities to do their part. That means meeting expectations in terms of inclusivity, the fight against terrorism, and the protection of the population.
Thank you.