Qatar, in a statement on behalf of the Arab Group at the United Nations, has renewed its firm position in support of Syria’s sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity, rejecting external interference in its internal affairs and any attempt to undermine its security and stability.
It affirmed that Syria’s unity and stability constitute a pillar of regional security and stability.
This came in a statement delivered by HE the Permanent Representative of Qatar to the United Nations Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif al-Thani, before the UN Security Council’s monthly briefing on the situation in the Middle East (Syrian Arab Republic), in New York.
She said that the Arab Group commends the steps taken by the Syrian government to extend state authority across the country, advance transitional justice and accountability, address the issue of missing persons, and create conditions for the return of refugees and displaced persons.
HE Sheikha Alya called for supporting the Syrian government, increasing international assistance and investment, and strengthening economic co-operation to support recovery and reconstruction, as well as creating conditions for the safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable return of refugees and displaced persons.
She also highlighted the importance of removing remaining obstacles to Syria’s economic recovery and international integration.
HE Sheikha Alya further praised host countries for sheltering Syrian refugees and called on the international community to expand support for these countries.
She also welcomed growing co-operation between the Syrian government and the UN, highlighted by the recent visit to Syria by the UN secretary-general and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, as well as co-operation with the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.
HE Sheikha Alya said that the Arab Group condemns the bombings in Damascus and its countryside and all criminal acts threatening security and stability.
She commended measures taken by the Syrian government to counter these threats, combat terrorism and terrorist groups, and maintain security and stability, stressing the importance of supporting these efforts.
The Arab Group, she continued, also welcomes the US announcement removing Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, 47 years after its designation, describing the move as a positive development that supports efforts to achieve stability in Syria and the region.
HE Sheikha Alya also said that the Arab Group strongly condemns Israeli airstrikes targeting Abu Al Duhur military airport in northwestern Syria, stressing that the attacks represent a dangerous escalation and a flagrant violation of Syria’s sovereignty, security, stability and territorial integrity.
The Arab Group, she said, stresses that Israel’s continued violations of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity risk increasing tensions, undermining regional peace and stability, and weakening respect for international law and the principles of the UN Charter.
She affirmed that the Arab Group calls on the international community to take a firm, clear and principled position against the ongoing aggression against Syria and to take concrete steps, in accordance with international law and the UN Charter, to end these violations, ensure full respect for the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, and secure the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the areas they have occupied, in order to prevent further escalation and protect regional peace and stability.
HE Sheikha Alya also noted that the Arab Group reaffirms that the Golan Heights are occupied Arab territory, and that Israel’s imposition of its laws, jurisdiction and administration over the Golan is null and void and without legal effect, in violation of relevant UN resolutions, particularly Security Council Resolution 497 (1981).
She said that the Arab Group reaffirms its support for Syria and its people in building a stable and prosperous state based on justice, equality, the rule of law and the protection of the rights of all Syrians. – QNA