The UN Security Council in a statement yesterday Tuesday emphasized the need to implement a political process under Syrian leadership and responsibility, based on resolution 2254 (2015), which will serve the legitimate expectations of all Syrians. He also reiterated his commitment to the national sovereignty and independence and territorial integrity of Syria, calling on all member states to respect these principles and refrain from actions that undermine international security. He underlined the importance of the fight against terrorism, in particular preventing the regrouping of the Islamic State (IS) and other terrorist organizations. And further, he underlined the need to respect human rights and international humanitarian law, including facilitating humanitarian access and international support for those in need.

The Security Council supported the UN Withdrawal Observer Force (UNDOF) and called for compliance with the 1974 Withdrawal Agreement, with respect for calm in the Separation Area. He also stressed the need to guarantee the safety of peacekeepers and protect diplomatic facilities, in accordance with international law.

Here is an unofficial rendering of the Security Council announcement:

“The members of the UN Security Council called for the implementation of an inclusive, Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process, based on the fundamental principles enumerated in resolution 2254 (2015), to be facilitated by the United Nations . They supported in this regard the efforts of the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, to help facilitate such a Syrian-led and Syrian-led process. This political process should meet the legitimate expectations of all Syrians, protect them all and allow them to peacefully, independently and democratically determine their future.

UNSC members also reaffirmed their strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Syria and called on all states to uphold these principles. They also underlined the need for Syria and its neighbors to mutually refrain from any action or intervention that could undermine the security of another.

The members of the UNSC underlined the importance of combating terrorism in Syria and also recalled the obligations of all parties under the relevant resolutions of the Security Council concerning the fight against terrorism, in particular resolutions 1267, 1989 and 2253 and related to the situation in Syria . In particular, they underlined the importance of preventing IS (also known as Daesh) and other terrorist organizations from restoring their capabilities and denying them safe haven in Syria.

They reiterated the obligation to respect human rights, including the right to seek justice, and international humanitarian law in all circumstances, including by allowing and facilitating humanitarian access, and called for additional international support to United Nations and humanitarian efforts to increase humanitarian support for civilians in need across Syria. The members of the UNSC expressed their solidarity with the victims, the families, the disappeared and the Syrian people.

They reiterated their support for the United Nations Withdrawal Observer Force and the implementation of its mandate and called on the parties to refrain from any activity that may jeopardize the safety and security of peacekeeping forces and its infrastructure. They also called for respect for the 1974 Withdrawal Agreement, including the principles regarding the Separation Area, and stressed the obligation of all parties to fully comply with its terms and maintain calm and reduce tensions. They reiterated that the inviolability of diplomatic and consular facilities and personnel, as applicable, must be respected in all cases in accordance with international law.”