UN Security Council: All countries must respect Syria's sovereignty and independence

SadaNews - The UN Security Council called on all countries yesterday evening, Sunday, to respect Syria's sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity, expressing concern over the violence that erupted in the southern province of Sweida since July 12.

In a presidential statement from the UN following a session of the Security Council regarding Sweida, the council urged all parties to adhere to the ceasefire agreement and ensure the protection of civilians.

It strongly condemned the events that led to many civilian casualties in Sweida.

The council welcomed the statement issued by the interim Syrian authorities condemning the acts of violence and announcing measures to investigate and hold accountable those responsible.

Call for Investigation

It also called on the Syrian government to ensure that reliable, prompt, transparent, fair, and comprehensive investigations are conducted in accordance with international standards.

The statement noted that approximately 192,000 people have been displaced within Syria due to the clashes in Sweida.

It called for full, safe, rapid, and unimpeded humanitarian access for the UN and humanitarian organizations to Sweida and all affected areas throughout Syria.

The statement reaffirmed its commitment to Syria's sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity, urging all countries to respect these principles.

It pointed out that foreign interventions could undermine the country’s stability, and the council condemned all forms of negative or destructive intervention in Syria's political, security, and economic transition process.

The UN Security Council also called for a Syrian-led political process that protects the rights of all, regardless of their ethnicity or religion.

Since July 19, a ceasefire has been in effect in Sweida following a week of armed clashes between Druze groups and Bedouin tribes, after which the general security forces entered the province, and the Israeli army carried out strikes targeting them under the pretext of protecting the Druze.