The United Nations Security Council held its regular monthly open briefing and closed consultations on the political and humanitarian developments in Syria.

The Permanent Representative of Greece ambassador St. Mudpresented our country’s position, focusing on three main axes: political transition, security and violence, and the economic reconstruction of Syria.

Ms. Balta began by underlining that “turning the page for Syria after a long and extensive division requires a fully inclusive political transition.”

Referring to the speech of the president of Syria at the UN General Assembly, he characterized it “historic moment for the country”pointing out that “the values ​​of solidarity and coexistence must be a compass for the elimination of sectarianism.”

As he said, “all Syrians, regardless of ethnic or religious origin, deserve peace and the right to equal representation.”

The Permanent Representative of Greece expressed her regret “for the low participation rate of women and representatives of ethnic and religious communities in the recent parliamentary elections” and “the postponement of voting in the areas of Suwayda and the Kurdish governorates”.

He emphasized that “the road to reconciliation presupposes that all voices will be heard,” noting that “Muslims, Alawites, Christians, Druze and Kurds must be fairly represented.”

He also referred to the statement of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in the General Assembly, that “the future of the country must be built on the full political representation of all religious and ethnic communities”.

Ms. Balta expressed the expectation that “the Syrian authorities will take bolder steps in this direction” and that “the remaining one-third of the parliamentary seats will compensate for the underrepresented sections of society.”

He also focused on the need to end the violence. “Getting rid of the shackles of violence is a prerequisite for restoring stability across the country,” he said, noting that “extremist elements are still at work in Syria,” as seen “in the terrorist attacks on Greek Orthodox and Catholic churches over the summer and the horrific violence in Sweden and the coastal region.”

Referring to the situation of women, she expressed “deep concern about the systematic attacks and kidnappings targeting women. Civilians must be protected at all times and those responsible held accountable.” He called on the Syrian authorities to act “the road map agreed between Syria, Jordan and the US” and to follow “the Report of the UN Commission of Inquiry into Violations Against Civilians”.

Mrs. Balta greeted “the recent ceasefire between Syrian forces and the SDF”emphasizing that “full implementation of the March agreement will help reunite the country after years of fragmentation.”

He emphasized, however, that “the situation in the northeast should not be used as a pretext for foreign intervention.”

As he pointed out, “an end to the violence is a prerequisite for the reconstruction of Syria and for the safe and voluntary return of refugees.”

Moving on to the third axis, the ambassador underlined how “bold economic reforms are necessary as the country faces severe economic constraints and enormous humanitarian needs.”

Also referred to “progressive and reversible lifting of sanctions” from the European Union and the new human rights sanctions regime.

Greece, as stated, “has expressed its readiness to stand by the side of the Syrian people and actively contribute to the reconstruction of the country”through “financial and technical support” and “strengthening institutional capabilities”.

He emphasized that “it is time for Syria to turn the page and commit to honest dialogue with its neighbors and international partners”noting how “the revitalized dialogue between Syria and Lebanon is a step in the right direction.”

He assured, in closing, that “Greece fully supports the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Syria — a strong and prosperous country, worthy of the proud Syrian people.”