17 July 2025
Thank you, Mr. President, and allow me to also thank ASG Khaled Khiari for the detailed briefing.
Today’s meeting comes at another critical moment for Syria. We share the deep concern expressed by the Secretary-General on the continued escalation of violence in Suweida, a Druze-majority area in southern Syria, which has reportedly resulted in heavy casualties, including civilians, and numerous injured and displaced persons. We are all particularly disturbed by reports of humiliating treatment of civilians, the desecration and mutilation of corpses, sectarian incitement are deeply disturbing, as referred to with the statement of Special Enoy Pedersen.
We strongly condemn all attacks perpetrated against civilians and religious sites in Suweida.
This includes arbitrary killings and acts inciting sectarian violence. I would like to refer also to yesterday’s attack against the Greek-Catholic Church of Mar Michael in Sawara, another incident after the terrorist bombing attack against the Greek Orthodox Church of Mar Elias, which this Council strongly condemned, further highlights the challenges for the Christian community in Syria and the need for full protection of all ethnic and religious components in a united Syria. In this context, special attention should be given to hate speech and incitement to violent actions against the aforementioned parts of Syrian society.
We stand in solidarity with Syria and all victims of this violence and xpress our condolences to their families.
We call for de-escalation and for urgent measures to be implemented, to restore calm and facilitate humanitarian access. Greece requests that Syria’s transitional authorities contribute sincerely and effectively to immediate de-escalation; ensure accountability for the crimes committed; and create a secure environment for all Syrians.
We take note of the statement by Syria’s transitional authorities on a ceasefire reached in Suweida, as well as on condemning the violations and committing to holding those responsible into account after proper investigation. We expect this process to be transparent, swift and consistent with international standards, as this is imperative for all Syrians to feel safe at home.
Mr. President,
We reiterate, as we have publicly done so, our full support for Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as for the respect of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement and the work of UNDOF and its staff. Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity go hand-in-hand with the fundamental right of all Syrians—irrespective of religious and ethnic background—to live in peace and without fear.
Mr. President,
As I mentioned earlier, it was less than a month ago that we convened this Council in a closed format on the abhorrent suicide bombing at the Greek-Orthodox Mar Elias Church in Damascus. A terrorist attack that spread death and agony among peaceful civilians in their sacred place of worship. The Syrian people, with their rich and vibrant diversity, history and heritage will always be stronger than terrorism in all its forms.
Recent developments bear testament to the vigilance required of this Council as we go forward in a gradual, cautious, step-by-step approach on this file.
As Syria stands at a crossroads, it is imperative that we support a credible, orderly, Syrian-led and –owned, inclusive political transition, aligned with the key principles of Security Council Resolution 2254 (2015).
The gravity of recent and ongoing developments demonstrates that national reconciliation, tackling sectarian violence and the threat posed by terrorist foreign fighters in Syria, as well as ensuring the safety of all Syrians are key to a united and prosperous Syria. Greece will continue its ongoing efforts to support the Syrian people and the UN in this endeavor for peace, stability and prosperity.
I thank you.
